A prophet for all time

President Gordon Bitner Hinckley was a man for all seasons and a prophet for all time. Seldom has one been so thoroughly prepared personally and spiritually for a ministry that took him worldwide with unswerving dedication — though his heart remained fixed on home and family. Now he has returned home in an eternal sense, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of consecration, caring and commitment.

The accomplishments of the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are remarkable and could fill volumes. His influence for good spanned borders, race and religious creeds — but he never lost touch with his pioneer roots or his family. Those influences — combined with an unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ — were ever his lodestar.

Someone once asked him in paying tribute: "How can the world ever measure the good, the blessings, the benefits bestowed on the people of the world by you?" The answer is simple: It cannot. Yet President Hinckley would never have claimed such. He would be the first to deflect credit for his accomplishments to a higher source of spiritual power he came to understand and draw upon early in life.

Born June 23, 1910, in Salt Lake City to Bryant S. and Ada Bitner Hinckley, he suffered from whooping cough at 2 years of age. Physicians advised the Hinckleys to take the child out of the city into fresher air, so the elder Hinckley acquired five acres in East Mill Creek. A small residence was built that became the family's summer home and farm, expanding to 35 acres. Young Gordon learned early a regular regimen of work and chores, a pattern that was evident throughout his life.

He also was exposed to his father's library, with more than 1,000 volumes, including many traditional literary classics. It was a natural thing for President Hinckley to later major in English at the University of Utah. This helped form a foundation for his excellence as a writer and orator and his effectiveness with mass media.

As a young missionary departing to England, he received a note from his father imploring him to "be not afraid, only believe." The New Testament reference became a favorite admonition during a challenging mission and throughout President Hinckley's subsequent lifetime of service.

His vision may only have been matched by his vigor, which sparked an untiring work ethic that included a rigorous travel schedule. Upon fulfilling his mission to England and returning home, he told his father he was through touring and would be content to remain close to Salt Lake City forever. Divine providence dictated otherwise, to the benefit of millions who partook in person of his love, graciousness, engaging sense of humor and prophetic testimony.