From Deseret News archives:
LDS leader ties record for longevity
President McKay and President Hinckley are now tied as the oldest prophets in the history of the church.
As of today, Nov. 2, 2006, President Hinckley is 96 years old, plus 132 days the same age that President McKay was when he died on Jan. 18, 1970. President Hinckley is thus poised to become the oldest-ever church president Friday.
Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910, he has served as the 15th president of the church since March 12, 1995, and has been a general authority for more than 48 years.
President Joseph Fielding Smith lived to be 95 and 8 months old, the third-oldest church president. President Ezra Taft Benson was fourth at age 94 and President Wilford Woodruff fifth at age 91.
While President Hinckley is approaching age 97, no other church president has displayed as much vigor and energy as he has.
"I think it is significant for any church to have an extended administration that is not chopped up," said Jan Shipps, professor emeritus of history and religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University.
"President Hinckley has been strong and consistent," she said.
President Hinckley's first major health issue in his life came on Jan. 24, 2006, when he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his intestine.
President Hinckley briefly addressed his longevity in the general conference last month.
"Now, as all of you know, I am somewhat old in years," he said in the Sunday morning session. "I had my 96th birthday last June. I have learned from many sources that there is considerable speculation concerning my health. I wish to put the record straight. If I last a few months longer, I will have served to an older age than any previous president. I do not say this to be boastful but rather grateful."
He also said, "The Lord has permitted me to live; I do not know for how long. But whatever the time, I shall continue to give my best to the task at hand."
President Hinckley's father, Bryant S. Hinckley, lived to age 93 and almost 11 months. He died on June 5, 1961. President Hinckley's mother, Ada Bitner Hinckley, died at age 50 on Nov. 9, 1930.
Comments
- Mormon Times briefly 4:17 p.m.
- Woman recounts night of shooting 4:15 p.m.
- Small plane crashes near Lehi 4:02 p.m.
- Increase anti-tobacco campaigns? 3:25 p.m.
- 4th Redskins starting RB of season 3:23 p.m.
- 'Bama wins $32M bet on Saban 3:22 p.m.
- Texas preps strike Nike deal 3:21 p.m.
- IOC withholds Jones' 100-meter gold 3:18 p.m.
- Texas' Brown gets new $5 million deal 3:16 p.m.
- Liukin saving college gymnastics 3:15 p.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Snow brings big chill
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Many seek to wipe clean misdeeds
- Haws playing like a veteran
- Doctor calls Mitchell 'naive,' 'inept'
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
288 - Letters: Global warming a lie
225 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
177 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
145 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
133 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
121 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Revive full food tax?
98
My wife Lisa and I would prefer never to argue. But that's not going to...
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Keep the Government out of our Sports!!!!!
Loved this guy at the U and wish him all the best, even if it is with...
k i think the graffiti should be allowed under the bridge it made it colorful...
Better the economy | 3:31 p.m Justice? JUSTICE??? What the heck does...
"Tonight we will see if Matthews is the great defender you all claim he is."...
People that understand science know that the results of such an experiment...
Best - comment - ever!
The ignorance and denial by the "enlightened" in Utah is truly astounding....
I'm a titan fan and i know people didn't like that score. I do have to say...
I'll take a win against ASU on a Jimmer "off night" any day. Jimmer has been...




You can be the first to comment on this story.