Richard H. Madsen, former chief executive and chairman of ZCMI, died Nov. 6, 2006. He was 67.
Mr. Madsen graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and was a cum laude graduate of the University of Utah. He earned a law degree from the U.'s Law School in 1966 and clerked for Judge Sherman Christensen.
Mr. Madsen worked in his family's furniture business, P.W. Madsen Furniture Co., until he was named president and CEO of ZCMI in 1990. He was later named chairman of the board at ZCMI and served in that capacity until the company was sold, nearly a decade later.
Founded in 1868 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ZCMI announced in October 1999 that it had agreed to merge with St. Louis-based The May Department Stores Co. in a $52 million deal. The May Co. in turn was bought out by Federated Department Stores Inc. in a massive, $17 billion transaction completed in August 2005. Utah's eight former ZCMI stores have been officially operating under the Macy's brand since September 2006.
In addition to his work at ZCMI, Mr. Madsen served on the boards of directors of other organizations, including longtime affiliations with Zions Bancorp., the Pioneer Memorial Theater Co. at the U., This Is the Place Heritage State Park, Ballet West and the Utah Symphony. He also served on the national board of the National Retail Federation.
In 1995, Mr. Madsen was named CEO of the Year in Retailing, Department and Discount Stores by Financial World Magazine, which was one of many awards and recognitions he received during his career. In addition, Mr. Madsen was named Utah Father of the Year in 1997 and was the recipient of numerous recognitions for his volunteer and charitable service. An ardent sports fan, Mr. Madsen also was designated a "Superfan" by both Brigham Young University and the U.
Mr. Madsen is survived by his wife, Doralee Durham Madsen, 10 children and 32 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Mt. Olympic North LDS Stake Center, 4176 S. Adonis Drive. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.