"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 of the NAACP Salt Lake City branch and of the 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."

• Brigham Young University President Cecil Samuelson: "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."

BYU spokeswoman Carri P. Jenkins said BYU will fly flags at half-staff today, as directed by the church. Any updated events will be announced on BYU's Web page: www.byu.edu. At press time, the university was uploading a slide show on its Web site of President Hinckley's visits to campus.

• Utah House Minority Leader Brad King, D-Price: "This has really gotten to me tonight," he said, his voice cracking. "How do you sum up that kind of a life? Certainly, he was a great leader, but more importantly, a kind and gentle man. He will be missed by all of those who knew him. His personality and charisma transcended the bounds of religion. His are big shoes to fill. We send good wishes to his family." President Hinckley's grandson — Joseph Hinckley — is working as King's intern during the current legislative session.

"We wish President (Thomas S.) Monson and all the other church leaders good luck."