97 Years Young

97 year old Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away at 7 pm on Sunday January 27, 2008 in his Salt Lake City apartment, surrounded by his family.

He served as the Lord's mouthpiece on earth and special witness of Jesus Christ for nearly 13 years. Funeral services will be held Saturday in the LDS Conference center.

Utah Governor Huntsman ordered all flags be flown at half-staff in honor of his passing, until his interment on Saturday.

I will always remember the chance opportunity I had to briefly meet and shake his hand on July 22nd, 1997. President Hinckley was addressing over 50,000 people at This is The Place Monument in Salt Lake City, as the commemorative wagon train had just arrived. I happened to be part of the security detail, posted just off to one side of the stage. Following the ceremony, I could see that he would pass right by me. While maintaining as much vigilance as possible, I could not pass up the opportunity to extend my hand and shake his, feeling of his great, humble spirit.

I also remember seeing and hearing him speak at a general conference session in April of 2006 with our entire family.

Without prompting from Mom or Dad, Josh wore his Sunday best clothes to school today, along with many other high school aged youth, to honor President Hinckley.

A great part of his legacy, among many other things, is a generation of youth who have grown up knowing him and feeling of his love and guidance. He authored a number of books, writings & statements, including "The Family: a Proclamation to the World" - which will live on to help countless people of any, all, and/or no religion make their way through the struggles of earthly existence.

President Hinckley's legacy also includes the building of numerous worldwide temples, which will stand as monuments and reminders of his great service.

He was behind a tireless effort to "bring the temples to the people", including the Rexburg, Idaho temple. Having personally overseen every last detail of this temple, which was dubbed his "baby", the dedication ceremony will be postponed one week to allow for the funeral and memorial services.

President Hinckley truly was "the People's Prophet", as he logged thousands of miles traveling to all areas of the world, reaching out to people and touching lives wherever he went. He made himself available to the public press and media, helping to build a bridge of understanding.

I am saddened by his passing, but I mostly feel happy for the profound effect he had on me and countless other people of many faiths. Although he will be missed, I am certain that his work continues on.

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