As one whose faith and dedication to God carried him forward despite growing health challenges, Elder Maxwell "accomplished more in these last eight years than most men do in a lifetime," said LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. He praised Elder Maxwell's signature speaking and writing style.

"I know of no other man who spoke in such an interesting and distinct manner. His genius was the product of diligence. He was a perfectionist determined to exact from every phrase and sentence" vivid imagery that brought the gospel to life. "Each talk was a masterpiece, each book was a work of art. I think we shall not see one like him again."

Elder Maxwell had the meekness and charity to bind "up the wounds and (bring) sunlight into the lives" of fellow cancer sufferers, yet he was fearless in challenging "the proud and the arrogant."

President Hinckley spoke directly to Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, telling her and the couple's children to continue their journey forward with faith. He encouraged Sister Maxwell to carry on "through this utter valley of desolation" that comes to those who lose a beloved spouse. President Hinckley, who lost his wife, Marjorie, in April, said no one who has not experienced it can understand the "absolute devastation and consuming loneliness, which increases in intensity and gnaws at one's very soul."

Yet in the darkest nights, there comes a voice that whispers "all is well, all is well, with a peace, certainty and unwavering affirmation that death is not the end" and that "as surely as there has been separation, there will be a joyful reuniting."

He assured Elder Maxwell's family that death had not been a bitter experience for their husband and father.

"He has not tasted death. It's been a welcome release from the pains of mortality to the glory of immortality," President Hinckley said.

Cory Maxwell said his father led his family by example and by faith, giving his best efforts in creating a storehouse of memories that they can cherish by spending time with them.

"He understood the importance of family in the Plan of Salvation," and liked to say the family is "a celestial institution formed outside telestial time," he said.

Elder Maxwell told his family some time ago that his own father had "taught him how to die" by remaining interested and in good humor until the end. Recently as his wife talked to him, he had difficulty hearing her. When she asked if he had both his hearing aids in place, he replied, "Yes, and if I could put a third one in I would."

Colleen Maxwell was her husband's most trusted confidant and adviser.

"Dad always said he married up spiritually, and I believe his compassionate service to many people over many years became reflexive because of what he saw my mother do," Cory Maxwell said.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir provided music for the funeral, which will be televised on tape delay on several broadcast venues, including locally at 10 a.m. Sunday on KSL-TV. (See www.lds.org for a full listing of times and channels.) Private graveside services were held in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

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