Reynolds said Nibley took 15 years to write his "magnus opus," to be called "One Eternal Round."

"It is completed and will take several years to be edited and published. It's the culmination of his life's work and focuses on Facsimile 2 in the Book of Abraham," Reynolds said. Facsimile 2 is a diagram Latter-day Saints believe is of ancient origin. Nibley believes it is a "guide to the universe," and such diagrams were sometimes placed at the head of Egyptian mummies. Nibley is survived by his wife; his children, Paul Nibley, Thomas Nibley and Zina Petersen, Provo; Christina Mincek, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Michael Nibley, Washington, D.C.; Alex Nibley, Salt Lake City; Rebecca Nibley, Eagle Mountain; and Martha Beck, Phoenix. Funeral services are pending.

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