An unfailing attitude of optimism often led President Hinckley to say, when faced with a challenge, "Oh, things will work out," said President Henry B. Eyring, who served with the deceased prophet in the First Presidency.

"Some of that (optimism) came from his great personal capacities. Many problems he could work out himself," said President Eyring during today's funeral.

President Hinckley applied those abilities to such undertakings as temple-building, the establishment of the Perpetual Education Fund and the building of the Conference Center, "where thousands unite their faith to hear the word of God."

"His personal legacy goes beyond that brief list and my power to describe. But his accomplishments have at least one thing in common. Always they were to bless individuals with opportunity. And always he thought of those with the least opportunity, the ordinary person struggling to cope with the difficulties of everyday life and the challenge of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. More than once, he tapped his finger on my chest, somewhere where my heart is, when I made a suggestion and said, 'Hal, have you remembered the person who is struggling?"'

President Eyring told the audience with confidence that, "He is in the spirit world today among the noble prophets who have lived on the earth. He is surely aware of our sorrow and our sense of loss at our separation from him."

President Hinckley had looked forward to the dedication of the Rexburg, Idaho, temple, which was to have occurred this weekend. The dedication was set back a week to allow for the funeral services and other events related to his death.

"He thrilled at the dedication of temples. He knew what they could mean for someone who yearned to be reunited forever with a loved one from whom they had been separated by death. ... He is with Marjorie again, the girl of his dreams. They will be companions forever in glory and in a family."

President Hinckley's optimism grew out of his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and in the power of His atonement, President Eyring said. To emulate President Hinckley's stature as a man of God may be beyond the reach of many, he said, "But all God asks of us is that we give our best."

Even as a prophet, President Hinckley had his own feelings of human weakness. On one occasion, looking at the pictures of those who preceded him as president, he wept, President Eyring said, "I think not out of fear but out of gratitude. ... Faith in his heart left no room for doubt or fear."

No one was more acutely aware of today's problems than President Hinckley. "And yet, time and again, he would say of the church that we have never done better, and he would give you the facts to prove it." It was the leader's optimistic view that "the best is yet to come."

"For all of us across the world, I express gratitude for such a prophet, such a teacher, such a father and such a friend."

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E-mail: tvanleer@desnews.com