Members of the Utah House of Representatives passed a resolution Tuesday, honoring the life of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President Hinckley died in January of causes incident to age. He was 97.

Before legislators approved the resolution, HCR6, several spoke about their personal experiences with the LDS prophet, calling him a gentle man with a sense of humor. Rep. Mike Morley, R-Spanish Fork, said President Hinckley was a "builder.

"President Hinckley had a tremendous influence, not only on the church, but in Salt Lake City, Utah, the United States and the world," Morley said. "President Hinckley certainly was the consummate builder, always building those around him and making them better — building the world to be a better place."

Rep. Phil Riesen, D-Salt Lake, said that Hinckley was a unique and irreplaceable man.

"We will likely not see someone of President Hinckley's stature again in our lifetimes," Riesen said. "I will miss him very much."

Several members of President Hinckley's family were attendance in the House Chamber when the resolution was passed, including his son, Clark Hinckley. They were given a standing ovation as they left, smiling and acknowledging members of the House.

"What a grand opportunity it is just to pause and reflect," said House Majority Leader Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara. "I think many of our lives have been touched in many ways for the positive."

President Hinckley served for 12 years as president of the LDS church. During his tenure, membership of the church grew from 9 million to over 13 million members worldwide, and President Hinckley also dedicated more temples than any other of his predacessors.

In the week after his death, members of the LDS church sustained a new prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who served as President Hinckley's counselor in the LDS First Presidency.

President Monson, 80, is one of the youngest men in recent years to serve as the LDS prophet.

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