They said he was a diligent missionary, dedicated to the message he spent nearly two years trying to share. Some missionaries recalled riding bikes with Young and turning around after 300 yards to find Young had stopped and was talking to people about his message.

"They liked him," Kathy Young said.

And he liked them, always saying positive things to his parents in his regular e-mails home, she said. He planned to extend his mission until June and he would have extended it two more years if he could.

"In many ways, Elder Young has been transferred," said Elder Ballard, referring to regular reassignments missionaries receive in their areas of service.

Both the Young family and Elder Ballard said they believe Morgan Young continues to preach his message in another sphere.

Mark Young called Heidbrink an outstanding young man as well.

"He was the one who went and got help, even though he was wounded," Mark Young said, adding that he has the utmost respect for Heidbrink.

The Youngs came back to Bountiful early Friday. As they waited for their baggage, they saw a missionary who had completed his service being greeted by family members.

"We are so happy he's home," Kathy Young said. "It was just a moment — a moment I was denied."

The Youngs refuse to believe they are now a five-member family.

"Life is eternal, and we are always a family," Kathy Young said.

As for the man who is now accused of shooting their son, the Youngs don't hold any anger.

"Just sorrow," Mark Young said. "The consequences of this are going to last some time."

"I'm proud that he died with his boots on," Kathy Young said of her son.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com