From Deseret News archives:

He has 'gone home' — Service full of fond memories

Published: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 12:26 a.m. MST
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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.

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.

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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.

While the cortege was traveling, several hundred members and others stayed behind in the Conference Center and listened to the graveside service via a live audio and visual feed. As a bagpipe player drifted away from the gathering at the cemetery while playing "Praise to the Man," and as the music receded, those in the Conference Center began to spontaneously rise to attention.

They stayed that way for several moments. They then began drifting quietly toward the exits.


E-mail: carrie@desnews.com

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Among the dignitaries attending services Saturday for LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley were former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, Sen. Robert F. Bennett, Rep. Rob Bishop, Rep. Jim Matheson, Rep. Chris Cannon, Sen. Harry Reid and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

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