President Gordon B. Hinckley

1910-2008

I've had mixed emotions today as I've watched and listened to various tributes to President Hinckley. We all knew this day would eventually come, but I don't think it makes it any easier. What an amazing man and what an incredible legacy he has left. Last night I kept thinking about the wonderful reunions that must have been happening in the spirit world. Can you imagine what that must have been like?

I had the opportunity to attend his 90th birthday in the conference center. I was blessed to sing in a missionary choir for Oct. 2000 General Conference and sit behind him. I have heard him at BYU devotionals. One experience I will never forget was when I was 16 years old and I had the opportunity to serve him lunch. My mom was catering a monthly luncheon that he attended at KSL and I was lucky enough to be the server. I was so nervous that I would spill it on his lap or something. None of these top executives said anything to me, but when I served President Hinckley, he turned to me, looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you. This is delicious."
I know that isn't the biggest deal in the world, but I have never forgotten that.

I will miss him.

Here are some things that others had to say about him:

Statement from President Bush:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He was a tireless worker and a talented communicator who was respected in his community and beloved by his congregation. As President of his church, he traveled to more than 60 countries to spread a message of love and optimism to the millions of people around the world who shared his faith.

A Mayflower descendent and the grandson of Mormon pioneers, Gordon was a deeply patriotic man. His leadership and service strengthened the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. In 2004, I was honored to present him with the Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civil award, in recognition of his lifelong public service.

Laura and I will miss Gordon's friendship and wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his five children and the rest of the Hinckley family.

Statement from Governor John Huntsman Jr.:

The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has served as a transformational religious leader and tremendous ambassador for Utah with his unprecedented outreach to all corners of the world.

We join with thousands of others, who have been touched by his words and deeds, in remembering all he has done for so many in our community and in the world. His leadership in humanitarian efforts around the world was matched only by his efforts in his own beloved state and community as a committed citizen. He has stood as a remarkable example of selflessness, charity and humility and he will be greatly missed by all.

We extend our deepest of sympathies to the family and the community who loved President Hinckley. May we all be comforted in the knowledge of his beloved positive outlook on life.


Senator Orrin Hatch said today on Capitol Hill:

"He was a man who got along with leaders of other faiths. He was a man that taught us that we must respect everybody, and I must say, he stood for everything that was good, and I love him,"