During a meeting together as a First Presidency about 10 days ago, "his voice was strong, his mind was clear. He was self-assured and decisive. A few days later he lay near death."

President Monson described his last visit to President Hinckley's home a few hours before his death with President Henry B. Eyring and President Boyd K. Packer. After circling with other family priesthood holders to give him a blessing, "it was a sacred time of parting; we knew the veil was very thin and that he was being summoned to the other side."

As he traveled home, President Monson recalled his friend's words to LDS women in September 2003, expressing his love for his wife, Marjorie, who died shortly thereafter. "He missed her every day, every moment. What a glorious reunion they have now had."

"On behalf of each one of us, my brothers and sisters, I offer our final farewell to our beloved prophet. ... God be with you till we meet again."

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