News of the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley has spurred an outpouring of messages of condolence and tribute. Many have been sharing their memories and feelings about him through telephone calls, e-mails, media articles, blog posts and personal conversations.
The following are tributes paid to President Gordon B. Hinckley from public figures. The Church will continue to post tributes on this page as they are received.
President George W. 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.
Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., Utah
Mary Kaye and I are truly mourning tonight’s death of President Gordon B. Hinckley. 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.
The Governor has authorized the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of Utah to be lowered in honor of President Gordon B. Hinckley. The flags shall be flown at half-staff on all state-owned facilities until sunset on the day of his interment.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Ind-Connecticut
America and the world mourn the passing of the President Gordon Hinckley of the Church of Latter-day Saints. President Hinckley was known and beloved throughout the world for his spiritual guidance and good works. His life story was quintessentially an American one - and he tirelessly dedicated his life to building his Church and promoting our nation's ideals of understanding and tolerance. My prayers are with President Hinckley's family and the members of the Church of Latter-day Saints.
Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah
The passing of President Hinckley is a monumental loss. He was a man of sharp intellect and sharp wit and he is now enjoying the fruits of his earthly labors. He is reunited with his wife and many friends.
His legacy includes his unique ability to draw appropriate attention to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its doctrines without diluting our beliefs. His legacy also includes fending off attacks on the Church in particular and people of faith generally through reaching out to critics and telling the occasional humorous anecdote. Whether shepherding the amazing growth of the church or dealing with attacks, President Hinckley saw the church through ups and downs with grace, charm, and faith. He will be missed by all who knew him.
President Hinckley touched my life personally in many ways. Even as a child, he would remember my name when I saw him. How many names can one person remember? I suppose it derives from how much a person cares for others, and President Hinckley cared more than any other man I have ever known. He introduced my mother to my father. Our Cannon family tradition of marrying above ourselves was facilitated in my father's case by President Hinckley, and I suspect he recognized and took pride in the fact that he helped my father do so well.
Touching stories of this wonderful man will pour out in coming days, but common among all will be the view of President Hinckley as a person of abiding faith, humble heart and kindly soul. No doubt President Hinckley has already heard the words, 'well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Mitt Romney, Former Governor of Massachusetts
I was saddened to learn of the death of Gordon B. Hinckley. Ann and I respect him as a man of great faith and character. Like all people who knew him, we were deeply touched by his humility, his sense of humor and by the way he inspired so many people around the world. We will miss his leadership.
Lane Beattie, President and CEO, Salt Lake Chamberof Commerce
Today we honor President Gordon B. Hinckley’s legacy of faith and service. As the prophetic leader of a worldwide church and head of one of the state’s largest corporations, Pres. Hinckley stood tall for our community as a pillar of strength, a giant in spirit, an exemplar of humility, a mainstay of kindness, and an example of exuberance and energy in making this world a better place.
In all things, he stood on solid ground, lifting those of his faith and others to a higher level of human dignity. His energy in service, love for life, and commitment to goodness transformed us and contributed to the betterment of this world.
He was a builder and a visionary, working on a broad scale to develop an international church, and on a local scale to transform Temple Square, invest in a prosperous capital city and build houses of worship throughout our state. Under his tutelage, we have seen not only a renewal and commitment to traditional Church properties, but also a visionary commitment to the long-term strengths of our core business district, retail environment and downtown living.
It was with great affection that in 2003 the Salt Lake Chamber honored Pres. Hinckley as A Giant in Our City. At the time, he reflected on his love for Utah’s capital city:
First let me say that I love this city. I think I have been in most of the great cities of the world. Each has its attractions. Each has a character of its own. But I am always glad to get home. Home this is. I was born here. I was educated here. I have worked here. I was married here. And I shall be buried here.
Now is a time for us to reflect on our love for him, a man of immense character and human dignity. We are all better having known him. We thank him for standing for our community and ask that the blessings of heaven attend to his family and this world as we mourn his loss, celebrate his legacy, and honor his name.
Mayor Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County, Utah
President Hinckley was a good man, a holy man, a man of the people. His keen sense of humor and intellect were true hallmarks of his character. His lifetime of devoted service showed us all that we can act with compassion, integrity and vision. He was not only a religious leader – he was also a community leader. He will be greatly missed. We express condolences to his family and all those who join in remembering President Hinckley’s remarkable life.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. He was a beloved prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life was a true testament of service, and he had an abiding love for others. His wit, wisdom and exemplary leadership will be missed by not only members of our faith but by people of all faiths throughout the world.
He was an articulate leader and defender of our Christian principles and had a unique gift and way about him to communicate with people from all walks of life and all religious persuasions. ... Elaine and I feel deeply privileged to have known such a remarkable man and been touched in so many ways by his life and example. (Senator Hatch also eulogized President Hinckley on the floor of the Senate.)
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah
I have been privileged to know President Hinckley since my early 20s, and the thing that has impressed me the most about him has been his humility. He always viewed his assignments, no matter how great or small, as opportunities to serve rather than positions of prominence.
He stayed fully engaged and completely up to date right to the end, and his legacy will be remembered long after all the rest of us are gone. (Senator Bennett also eulogized President Hinckley on the floor of the Senate)
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah
I am saddened to learn of President Gordon B. Hinckley's passing. In my experience, he was a man of tremendous foresight, with a keen awareness of current events and of the challenges and opportunities facing the people of the LDS Church, of the state of Utah and of our country. I will remember him as a devout, compassionate spiritual leader who showed much warmth and humor. I express my sincere condolences to his family.
Utah House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy
I'll always remember the first time I met him and shook his hand. It was a great honor for me personally. This is a great loss not only to the LDS Church but to the state of Utah as well. He was a revered and respected leader.
Utah Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem
He taught me by example, not only in his sermons, but his ability to respect all people, especially those who didn't belong to his religion.
He wasn't afraid to talk to reporters, and his civility showed. He was a world leader, he had a world view, not just a church or Utah view.
Mayor Ralph Becker, Salt Lake City
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of President Hinckley and the millions of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I appreciate the great care and concern President Hinckley had for our city. He has guided an unprecedented investment in downtown Salt Lake City that will be an example and catalyst for our future.
He was truly one of Salt Lake City's greatest ambassadors. His compassion, sense of humor and wisdom will be deeply missed by our community. As the mayor of Salt Lake City, I hope all of us will follow President Hinckley's example of reaching out as individuals to serve our neighbors.
Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish, Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Hearing of President Hinckley's death this evening I find it difficult to imagine the world and its faith communities without him. Leading the LDS Church for decades, he has been its heart and soul to many millions — members and nonmembers alike.
Like so many others, I have been deeply touched by his generous wisdom, kindly voice and delicate humor. In my youth and when I returned to Utah to lead another church, he has always been the quintessential “good neighbor.”
I pray for his family and close friends who must feel this immediate loss so keenly. His journey here was long and his faith so strong, that his very presence made us all want to embrace life as fully and well as he did.
Jeanetta Williams, President, NAACP Salt Lake City Branch; President, NAACP of Utah, Nevada and Idaho
I want to convey my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to President Hinckley's family and to church members. I was very fond of President Hinckley. I personally knew him, and I will truly miss his voice and his concern for the community. …
He was always concerned about other people and always concerned about how people were treating me. He was just a very, very good person, and I will miss him so much.
Cecil Samuelson, President, Brigham Young University
BYU has been very blessed by its significant association with President Gordon B. Hinckley. As long-time chair of the university's board of trustees, he has set the vision for BYU and the high expectations we strive to meet.
The magnificent building on campus that bears his name could never be sufficient to match the legacy he has established for us. By having the faith and courage to show the world that great secular learning can be combined with an atmosphere that actively supports faith, President Hinckley has made an indelible mark in higher education, not just within the church, but worldwide.
Michael K. Young, President, University of Utah
The University of Utah family joins with millions worldwide who mourn the passing of President Hinckley ... a cherished alumnus of the U. Citizens of all nations will miss his great faith and boundless energy, his vision and spiritual resonance, and his compassion and gentle good humor. Truly the world is poorer today because of his passing.
He leaves behind a rich legacy of courage and compassion. ... On countless occasions President Hinckley shared his personal conviction that all people be afforded the right of thought, conscience and belief. Such was the power of his conviction that hearts were changed and decisions were made that furthered religious freedom around the globe....
He was a great friend to the U. and to many of us personally. ... President Hinckley spent a lifetime reaching down to lift others up. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all those who will feel so deeply the loss of this great man.
Maj. Gen. Kathleen D. Close, Commander, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah
On behalf of the men and women of Hill Air Force Base, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. At this time of mourning, our thoughts and prayers are with President Hinckley's family and the Latter-Day Saint community.
My husband, Mike, and I were privileged to meet President Hinckley in October during our visit to the Church Headquarters. President Hinckley was a truly caring and compassionate man, as well as a wonderful and insightful leader and great supporter of the men and women of Hill.
We know that the faith and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will provide great strength to its members and ease the pain during this time.
Paul Cobb, Publisher, Post News Group; Publisher, El Mundo
I had the rare opportunity to meet and interview The First Presidency all on the same day. I met Elder Faust, Elder Monson and President Hinckley on my visit to Salt Lake City.
I was scheduled for a brief 20 minute interview that turned into a 1 and 1/2 hour long engaging discussion on the reasons for the church's phenomenal growth in Africa and Latin America. We talked about race relations and the incredible developments with Freedman's Bank records that will help one third of all African Americans find their roots and have the Alex Haley experience. He invited me to join him on his next visits to Africa and Brazil.
I later met him in Manhattan and Harlem on his unannounced trip. He remembered me and engaged in the follow-up small talk from the stage while thousands watched. What a mind. What a memory and what an engaging genuine personality.
Larry King, Larry King Live, CNN
President Hinckley was more than a leader of a Church, he was a great friend.
I have met very few people in my life who had his passion, his understanding or his wisdom. He will be sorely missed.
Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, American Jewish Committee
The American Jewish Committee mourns today the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley, the president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
When a delegation of AJC leaders met with President Hinckley and the First Presidency in 2003, we found him to be wise and witty, proud of his Church’s positive history with the Jewish community and a good listener as well.
President Hinckley spoke with pride about the creation of the Brigham Young University Center in Jerusalem, the successful negotiations conducted with the Israeli government in order to establish the Center and the fact that Rabbi David Rosen, AJC’s international director of Interreligious Affairs, had taught at the center from its inception.
President Hinckley’s friendship toward the Jewish community will be missed.
Jon Meacham, Editor, Newsweek; Author, American Gospel
I met President Hinckley just once, in his offices in Salt Lake, but it was a memorable session. I was there with my Newsweek colleague Elise Soukup for a cover story commemorating Joseph Smith, and I was interested in discussing the idea of ongoing revelation. President Hinckley, I think, enjoyed the theological give-and-take, and was kind about my chances, as an Episcopalian, of reaching Heaven. What remains in my mind is a remark he made not only about his own role but about the great figures of prophecy through the ages. A prophet, he said, speaks to the times. That is at once an exalted and a humbling role — exalted in that so many heed him, and humbling in that religious believers hold that the times in which they live are transient, and that much of the human story is about seeking order and comfort beyond time and space. He was a charming and engaging man, an unlikely prelate — and all the more impressive for that.
Utah Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem
Senator Valentine posted this tribute to President Hinckley on YouTube.
Elaine C. Emmi, Chair, Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable
The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable would like to offer its condolences to … Mormons everywhere for the loss of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Although he was President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, people of all faiths remember him for his words and deeds around the world, which reflected his love for all people during his visionary presidency.
After days of grey skies, Sunday ended with the most dazzling and transfixing sunset. It was a tribute to this amazing man as he left this earth.
We wish you all peace and joy as you remember his lifelong contributions.
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois
Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Bishop Michael P. Driscoll, Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, Idaho
I ask Catholics in Idaho to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died yesterday. During his tenure as president, Hinckley tried to open doors to people of other faith traditions through respect and mutual cooperation. Because of his leadership, we have been able to work together on projects, such as Interfaith Sanctuary, that come to the aid of those most in need.
I urge you to pray for his family, for Mormon leaders and for all our Mormon brothers and sisters as they begin a period of transition.
The Downtown Alliance of Salt Lake City
The Downtown Alliance of Salt Lake City expresses sympathy for the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. As the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Hinckley was a man who transformed Salt Lake City, the state of Utah, and his Church. He is remembered for his humanitarian achievements, and as a city building leader and visionary.
Under President Hinckley’s leadership, the LDS Church took bold steps to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City and lay the foundation for prosperous opportunities and a thriving economic future.
The Downtown Alliance offers condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of President Gordon B. Hinckley. His eminent presence in our great city will be missed.
Dr. Jeffrey Silliman, President, Salt Lake Theological Seminary
On behalf of the board, faculty and students of Salt Lake Theological Seminary, I extend heartfelt condolences on the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Many in the historic Christian communities of Utah will mourn the passing of a man who worked so hard to open the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the wider world. Please know that we will keep the leadership of your Church in our prayers during this time of transition.
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah
On behalf of the Indian American Hindu community of Utah, please accept our heart-felt condolences at the passing of President Hinckley on January 27, 2008.
President Hinckley was a giant among men. He guided the Church through times of change in our world while preserving the core values of kindness and respect for fellow man. Leading by example, he upheld family values, tolerance, patience and service to God in daily life. He also had immense respect for other religions and was supportive of the diversity of current day Utah.
With his passing, the Utah Hindu community has lost a great friend. While celebrating his amazing life and offering prayers for him, his family and the entire Church membership, we look forward to continuing our friendship with the Church.
Lawrence T. Morgan, Speaker, 21st Navajo Nation Council
On behalf of the largest Indian Tribe in the United States I offer our sincerest condolence regarding the loss of [President Gordon B. Hinckley]. His tireless 12 years of service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to be acknowledged on behalf of thousands of Navajo Nation Latter-day Saints members who reside within the States of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Through this letter the Office of the Speaker and the 21st Navajo Nation Council extend their deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May the Holy People care for you and yours as you experience this loss at this time.
Glenn Beck, CNN
Glenn Beck posted a tribute to President Hinckley on YouTube.
John Graz, Director, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, World Headquarters, Seventh-day Adventist Church
In this time of sadness for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would like to express my condolences to you and to the leaders and members of your church.
We appreciated President Gordon B. Hinckley’s openness and his commitment to tolerance and religious liberty. According to those who met him, he was a wonderful man, reaching out to other religious groups and encouraging his community to build bridges.
During his presidency, our church cooperated with several of your leaders, especially in the fields of general counsel and religious liberty. As religious minorities, we share challenges in some countries and I am pleased to recognize the positive outcome of our mutual cooperation.
[W]e look forward to continuing our good relations, inspired by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May God give comfort and hope to your members around the world.
Father Michael A. Kouremetis, Protopresbyter, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake
On behalf of the members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of the revered President Gordon B. Hinckley.
He was truly a wonderful leader of your church and a dynamic individual whose charismatic personality embraced everyone he met. I remember being on the dais at Governor Huntsman’s inaugural with President Hinckley and thoroughly enjoyed his company and humanity.
As you mourn his passing, I pray that Christ will give you strength and that his memory ever be eternal.
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Iceland
With the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the entire world have lost a great and wise leader, a man of vision and courage.
The people of Iceland have lost a good friend and I offer the Church of Jesus Christ our sincere condolences.
I was privileged to benefit from my many dialogues and discussions with President Hinckley. His visit to Iceland some years ago was among the highlights of my Presidency. I will never forget our farewell in the green fields surrounding my Residence.
Furthermore, his presence and speech in Spanish Fork when the Icelandic community in Utah, the oldest Icelandic settlement in the United States, celebrated its 150th anniversary, were a great homage to the Icelandic heritage and my nation.
His prayers for my late wife, Guorun Katrin, who a decade ago was struggling with leukemia, touched the heart of my family and showed President Hinckley’s profound humanity.
As the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mourn a great President, our thoughts are with you all.
Dean L. Jackson, Rotary District Governor, Utah
On behalf of the Rotarians in District 5420 and myself, we would like to express our condolences to you and the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
In addition to serving as the District Governor for Rotary this year in the state of Utah, I have also just begun my 17th year as pastor of Rock Canyon Church in Provo, UT. I have had the privilege over these past many years to personally interact with President Hinckley on various occasions. Each time I have found him to be a sincere and extraordinary communicator and leader. He has represented and served his church and community well.
President Hinckley has been an invaluable member of Rotary for many years, living a life of Service Above Self and modeling to the world Rotary’s Four-Way Test“of the things we think, say or do.” His association with Rotary extends back to the period of time when Richard L. Evans served as District Governor and later as President of Rotary International.
Please extend our deepest sympathy to the family and know that our District as well as my congregation will be praying for you and the members of the church during this time of grief and transition.
John K. McCarty, Mayor, Nauvoo, Illinois
I wish to offer my deepest regrets and sorrow to you in this mournful time. I have nothing but respect for the values that President Hinckley bestowed among the followers of your church and to us non-members who have personal ties and commitments together. In the brief times I was privileged to meet and talk with President Hinckley I instantly felt a warm, honest presence around him and knew when he said “there will be no problems” I could rest assured he would see to that. His decision to rebuild the beautiful Nauvoo Temple has forever changed the future for our town. His dedication to the temple construction, all the supporting structures and the future projects he has envisioned has and will preserve the beauty and serenity of our town for years to come. Many of us here know what gifts he bestowed on our community and even when he was met with negative souls, who stayed the course and I respected him for that.
The Mormon Church will carry on through this painful time and I’m sure with his soon-to-be announced successor will continue to grow. Please let the new President know we here in Nauvoo will show our support and respect that was earned by President Hinckley on to him. Every day when I drive by that magnificent white stone building, I’ m sure a memory of this great man will reappear and remind me to do my best to help his dream here live on. Please pass my condolences on to his family and the leaders of the church.
Reverend Brian Hare-Diggs, Pastor, First United Methodist Church
On behalf of the people of First United Methodist Church in the heart of Salt Lake City, I wish to extend our sincere condolences on the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
During this time of transition in the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we will keep all of our LDS friends and neighbors in our prayers.
May God comfort your people in their time of loss.
Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations
I was greatly impressed with President Hinckley as both President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as being a distinguished citizen of our noble land.
President Hinckley always received me with energy and elegance. It was always a special pleasure to have exchanged views on the situation in our troubled world.
You have my deepest sympathy to the Family and to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho
As Governor of the State of Idaho and on behalf of the First Lady, it is with deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that I offer condolences to you and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Because of his exemplary life, the station to which he rose and the manner in which he sustained it, President Hinckley’s loss will be felt not only by members of the LDS Church—including hundreds of thousands of Idahoans—but by many who admired him throughout the world. I have the utmost respect for the principled character of President Hinckley and the many members of the church with whom I work and associate.
More than once I have quoted words of wisdom from his book, “Stand for Something,” as I traveled around Idaho to speak. His insight, humility, faith and civic virtue were inspirational, and his legacy of leadership, compassion and strength will long endure.
For the First Lady and on behalf of the citizens of Idaho, please extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to President Hinckley’s family, the leadership of the Church and the many devoted members who mourn the passing of this beloved man.
Oleh Shamshur, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States
It was a great sorrow that I learned about the death of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr. Gordon B. Hinckley.
In my heart I will always remember him as noble, inspiring and kind man, whom I was honored to meet during my visit to Salt Lake City.
Please pass my words of condolence and support to the family of Mr. Gordon B. Hinckley.
Dr. Hussein Hassouna, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United States
It is with great regret that I learned about the passing away of Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I still remember meeting him during my visit to Salt Lake City a couple of years ago. I was impressed by his knowledge, wisdom and interest in world affairs. May his soul rest in peace.
On this sad occasion I would like to express to his family and all our friends belonging to the Church my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for this great loss.
Zamira Sydykova, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States and Canada
On behalf of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic to the USA and Canada, I express to you our sadness following the death of Mr. Gordon Hinckley, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mr. Hinckley was a great and historic person who made Mormonism more familiar to the globe and promoted civility and mutual respect among people everywhere.
Please convey our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends.
Carlos Westendorp, Ambassador of Spain to the United States
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing away of President Gordon Hinckley. It was a surprise as on my last visit there I found him at what seemed like good shape.
He was a great man and I am sure you all must be feeling a great sense of loss.
I would like to ask you to please extend my sympathy and also that of my country not only to the family of President Hinckley but also to all the Elders.
Yuval Rotem, Ambassador, Embassy of Israel in Australia
I join with millions of people around the world to honor and grieve for this compassionate and benevolent man. I became somewhat intimately acquainted with President Hinckley during my tenure as the Consul-General for Israel in Los Angeles, CA. The state of Utah fell under my jurisdiction and consequently I made several trips there. Each time I was warmly received by President Hinckley and other members of the Quorum of the Twelve. I even received a personal set of scriptures from him with my name printed on the cover, which sits prominently on my desk in the Embassy.
President Hinckley impressed me as a strong leader with an ability to understand the most crucial points of any issue. I greatly appreciate his significant efforts in bringing Christians and Jews closer together. In all of our interactions he was extremely courteous and respectful, with a marvelous sense of humor. I was particularly touched by his strong sense of morals and commitment to family, things which are highly valued among my people and culture. Based on my recommendation, my government acknowledged his exceptional contributions, and authorized me to present him with a special gift for his 90th Birthday. He kept that gift just outside his personal office. Due to my associations with him, and others of your faith, I make it a priority to introduce people from my country to your church.
President Hinckley will be missed by many people from all walks of life. I will personally miss him. He was certainly a great ambassador for the LDS Church to the world.
Ban Ki-moon, The Secretary-General, United Nations
I send my condolences to the family and friends of Gordon B. Hinckley, and to the millions of members he inspired as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mr. Hinckley was a visionary who served his religious community with boundless energy and wisdom for decades. A true friend of the United Nations, he was deeply committed to advancing our shared goal of improving the lives of people in need around the globe. The international humanitarian contributions of the Church under his leadership will long be remembered.
I join all of you in paying tribute to Mr. Hinckley’s compassion, courage and kindness, and to his remarkable life of dedicated service to humanity.
Stephen M. Veazey, President, Community of Christ
David D. Schaal, Counselor
Beck L. Savage, Counselor
We are saddened to hear of the loss that your church, and the whole world, has experienced with the passing of President Hinckley. We will remember him as a warm, kind man who dedicated his life to building up the kingdom of God.
He was a model for a world that needs reconciliation and peace. For those of us who were able to respond to the invitation to meet with him in Utah, the memory of that time is warm and satisfying. He was willing to look for the common themes that unite us in the service of God. That is a precious gift of vision in a world divided and reduced by conflict over differences.
You will be in our prayers as you continue on, bearing the loss of a beloved friend and leader. We are comforted by our shared belief that this is not the end for him, but that his faithfulness will continue on.
James Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. All of us at JPMorgan Chase send our thoughts and condolences to you, his family, friends and colleagues.
President Hinckley’s influence was seen around the world. His energy and enthusiasm was contagious and his kindness and compassion set a meaningful example for others.
We value your relationship with us. My colleagues in New York, Denver and Salt Lake City are all very pleased to work with the Church in supporting your banking needs. Know that our thoughts are with you and we send best wishes for the future.
Pastor Michael Imperiale, First Presbyterian Church, Salt Lake City
The pastor, elders, and members of First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City wish to express their sympathy, love and concern for all of our LDS friends and neighbors on the passing of President Hinckley.
We too have benefited in many ways from his gracious leadership in church and community over these years. We certainly have enjoyed our common life together despite our religious differences as we live and work together in this great city.
Please know that we are praying for comfort and encouragement as you honor the life of President Hinckley and as your church moves into the future.
Tooele, Utah, County Commission
We wish to express our sympathy and deep appreciation of a truly great man. We can all be proud of the exemplary life that President Hinckley lived.
Keith Rattie, CEO, Questar Corporation
President Hinckley taught us all something about leadership. I was always struck by his humility, and his belief in the innate goodness of people — irrespective of their background or faith.
A few years ago the business community celebrated President Hinckley as a "Giant in Our City." In truth, he was much more than that. He was a giant worldwide.
Richard Walje, President, Rocky Mountain Power
A few years ago, the chairman of the ScottishPower board came to Salt Lake City and we were able to visit President Hinckley and the first presidency to pay our respects. It was a unique and great pleasure to be able to spend over an hour with President Hinckley discussing business and the cultural aspects of many of the countries he had visited. Because we were nearer in time to September 11, the discussion turned to national security and what we might expect in the future. Fortunately none of the scenarios we discussed has occurred.
What struck me most was how friendly and gracious President Hinckley was. We never felt like were imposing on him or were taking up too much of his precious time, even though he was extremely busy. And clearly he was not only the spiritual leader of his church, but had a deep, insightful grasp of global business and politics as well. The visit is one of the high points of my life.
Clark Ivory, CEO, Ivory Homes
From day one of his Presidency, Gordon B. Hinckley encouraged unity. There is no question that our business community benefited from his council, becoming more unified and cooperative during the past decade. President Hinckley caused us all to look outside of our own interests, to embrace diversity, to be community builders and to work well together. Our business community is in a much better place because of President Hinckley’s leadership and example.
Bob Farrington, Executive Director, Downtown Alliance
President Hinckley had a global vision of how the world can be a better place and how our city can be a better place. He envisioned a city that was welcoming to all and knew intuitively what steps to take for success.
Utah Senate Leaders
Utah Senate Leaders paid tribute to President Hinckley in this YouTube video.
K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, Former President, Indonesia
I heard the passing away of President Hinckley at the very old age with great sadness. President Hinckley was a truly remarkable man. I express my condolence, with the hope that God Almighty would grant him welfare in the hereafter life.
Navajo Mountain Chapter
Leo Manheimer, President
Alex Bitsinnie, Vice-President
Ella Jean Badoni, Secretary
Fern E. Kinsel, Community Services Director
On behalf of the Navajo Mountain Community, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the recent passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. The Navajo Mountain Chapter shares in this great loss, and his exemplary leadership and wisdom will surely be missed by the church members on the Navajo Nation as well as people abroad.
The Navajo Mountain Chapter is very thankful for the Church’s assistance during our community water crisis under President Hinckley’s administration. We wish to continue to work together on behalf of the people of our community.
Oscar Manutahi Temaru, President, French Polynesia
I have learned with great sadness the sudden death of the World wide Church President, his Excellency the Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley at the age of 97.
I was deeply honoured to meet the President 2 years ago on our visit to Salt Lake City and I remember discussing with a man of great knowledge and a sense of alertness in regard to the far away mission fields.
He highlighted and defended with passion the moral values of traditional marriage and the family but above all he valued the professional training of young people from the various under developed far away Islands and countries.
On behalf of my Government and my family, I wish to convey to the Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of the latter days Saints and to all its faithful members our most sincere condolences and my deepest respect for this great man of God dedicated to the development and wellbeing of Mankind.
J. Curtis Mack, II, President, Los Angeles World Affairs Council
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Staff of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, please accept our condolences on the death of President Hinckley. We had the honor of meeting him three times when he spoke to the members of the Council — in 1997, 1999 and again in 2002. The fact that they were sold-out events is testimony of his leadership, spirituality, compassion and above all, love of his fellow man.
He will be greatly missed.
Jason Lase, Director General, Christian Community Section of the Department of Religion of Indonesia
In relation to the sad news we received of the passing of the President of the Mormon Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley, we personally and in behalf of the “Directorate General of Christian Community Section of the Department of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia” wish to state our participation in mourning as deeply as possible. We pray that the family members left behind are blessed abundantly with steadfastness and hope from the Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church. We express the same also to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as the Mormon Church worldwide, so they can be given strength to be able to continue building His Church on the face of this earth. Like Paul declared in the first Epistle to the Thessalonians 4:13-14: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Finally, once again we express our condolences for the passing away of President Gordon B. Hinckley. May the Lord give strength and hope to us all.
Nakajima Seitaro, Chief Priest, Meiji Jingu
I was deeply saddened to hear the news about the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences in your time of loss. My thoughts are with you, with President Hinckley’s family, and with all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Hinckley was an outstanding person. I very much appreciate his remarkable services for many years, culminating in his twelve years as Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador, Embassy of the Philippines
My wife Linda and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., join me in expressing our deepest and sincerest condolences for the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
I fondly recall that among the highlights of my visit last year to Utah, for the Ambassador’s Lecture Series at the Brigham Young University, was my meeting with President Hinckley. It is with much sadness that I learned of his death.
We offer our prayers to you, to the family of President Hinckley, and to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at this time of mourning.
Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the recent passing of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr. Gordon B. Hinckley. My wife and I remember with much fondness our last visit to Utah and the honor of having the occasion of meeting with President Hinckley. We found him to be a very kind and engaging person, whose energetic leadership has been extremely important and meaningful to the followers of his faith, and in building a sustained growth for your Church.
On behalf of my wife, the entire staff of the Indonesian Embassy, and in my own behalf, I wish to express deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all members of your Church over the passing of President Hinckley. We understand the sorrow that is being felt throughout your community from this sudden loss and pray that he shall be given eternal peace.
Perez M. Olindo, Conservationist of Natural Attributes of the Earth and Former Director of the National Parks of Kenya.
When I came to know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fall of 1962 through the Late Professor Howard Baltz of Central Missouri State University, President Gordon B. Hinckley had Served his Church as a Member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a period of one year.
One of President Hinckley's major contributions to humanity lay in the Humility that will forever remain as the Hallmark of his personality and the unwavering commitment he chose to give to the Ministry of His Lord Jesus Christ!
When one thinks of the years The Lord granted him here on earth and the active life he lived to the very end, as attributed to him by those who knew him better, it becomes evident that, here lies the Servant of The Almighty Lord, who esteemed and embraced Wisdom, which in turn Exalted and Honored him.
May you rest in Perfect Peace till we meet on the Last Day.