From Deseret News archives:

President Hinckley remembered by family, friends, church leaders

Published: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 1:43 p.m. MST
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Such expressions of love and respect from young Latter-day Saints continue, he said. "Thank you, dear young people. You have led the way in honoring and eulogizing our dear prophet."

President Hinckley's daughter, Kathleen H. Walker, closed the meeting with prayer, remembering that her father "has worn out his life in Thy service. ... May the things we have learned remain with us forever ... as we continue to move forward in every way to bring honor to his life and to his name."

Formality and decorum were evident during the services for those gathered in the Conference Center, who watched on the large monitors as members of the Quorum of the Twelve lined the entryway into the huge auditorium as the casket was wheeled in and moved out following the service.

Usually smiling and animated as they enter during general conference, his fellow general authorities and family members were solemn, some dabbing at tears, as his casket was set in place for the service.

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Following the service, the congregation stood as President Monson and President Eyring left the dais first, followed by President Packer and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve in order of seniority. Members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as those in the congregation, waved white handkerchiefs as President Hinckley's casket was wheeled from the building, then used them to dab at tears in a final farewell to the leader they loved.

President Monson acknowledged the technological presence of millions via satellite, and noted the presence of government and civic leaders, in particular Mike Leavitt — former Utah governor and secretary of Health and Human Services as a representative of President and Mrs. Bush. He read the Bush's message of sympathy to open the service.

As the service ended, family members and general authorities followed the casket out of the Conference Center, as those assembled stood in tribute.

Once inside the hearse, President Hinckley's casket made its way out of the Conference Center's underground parking garage, traveling south on West Temple, turning east on South Temple where many leaving the service waved handkerchiefs and canes at his cortege, and others gathered in scattered pockets further east stood in respect as the hearse passed.

The procession moved east to N Street, and then north to the Salt Lake City Cemetery, where a short, private service was held before interment.


E-mail: carrie@desnews.com

Recent comments

i and my mom and little sisters watching the funeral on BYU, and felt...

megan v. | Feb. 12, 2008 at 7:51 a.m.

President Hinckley was a genuine man, all too often rare in one...

A Long-Inactive Member | Feb. 4, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.

What a wonderful funeral service. We are so happy for him, he has...

Anon | Feb. 3, 2008 at 6:14 a.m.

Image

President Thomas S. Monson (left) and President Henry B. Eyring sit on either side of the empty chair of the late LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley at his funeral Saturday. Presidents Monson and Eyring were the first and second counselors, respectively, to President Hinckley in the church's governing First Presidency.

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