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Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, oldest apostle, 91, dies at home
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Condolences to the Family | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I always admired Elder Wirthlin's humility and kindness. His quiet and
humble demeanor were a good example to me. I will never forget his talk with
Elder Nelson helping him stand as he delivered his message on service and love.
Very touching. We will all miss Elder Wirthlin. I'm sure he had a warm
reunion with his good friend, Gordon Hinckley in Paradise. I can imagine the
two of them joking and smiling as they saw each other once again.
A hero | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A truly great soul and head of a truly great family.
Comments continue below
CB | 11:12 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Could we all leave this earth as prepared, as worthy, as this dear soul. To his
family, our condolences, and to Elder Wirthlin, you have left many behind on
your journey through life who shall miss you.
gloria J Watson | 11:20 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
To the family of Elder Wirthlin, so sorry for your loss. I know that he is
with his beloved wife. I know you will miss him, He was sucha good man and we
will all miss him and his good works and his sound advice as a member of the
Twelve. God Bless him.
Matt | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Gentle Giants like Joseph Wirthlin are rare these days. He was so humble and
yet so strong, he will be deeply missed. Thanks to the Wirthlin family for
sharing him with us all these years.
Barlows in Maryland | 11:25 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A great man who will surely be missed!! Forever in our hearts and memories!!
Barbara-Sarasota, Fl | 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Dear Family - I am grieving for you, but know that Elder Wirthlin is beyond the
Veil, with those who have gone on before, especially his loving wife---He was an
encouragement to all of us---
Kevin Lamb | 11:40 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I was about 8 years old(now 15)when I met Elder Wirthlin at the Phoenix airport.
My dad asked me to share with him the names of the First Presidency and Quorum
of the Twelve. I had recently memorized their names. After I said all of their
names, Elder Wirthlin said, "wow, very good, I can't even remember all
of their names." We all laughed at his sense of humor. I'm glad I had
that experience.
remember | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I will always remember his conference talks, especially the talk he gave at the
April 2008 conference. His dedication to the Lord's work was unmatched.
Idahoan | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I was in the MTC at Christmas one year. Elder Wirthlin and his family shared
Christmas with us. I believe all but three members of his family were there. He
spoke. Some of his grandchildren played music. It was a wonderful. Thank you to
the Wirthlin Family for sharing Christmas with the missionaries in the MTC!
May you feel the Lord's comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
May you feel the Lord's comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
asoncion | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a wonderful apostle he was, taught me a good deal of the value of
time..Ironically, Last Sunday, my VT shared his talk on "Come What May and
Love It" of last conference. We laugh and talk of his humor and optimism of
life..
Jackie in California | 11:52 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I love Elder Wirthlin with all my heart. His example and dedication has been an
inspiration to me. I knew his love for the Savior by the way he spoke and
served. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the Brethern who love
and miss him. I know he has been reunited with his sweetheart and is making his
"To Do" lists, continuing the work on the other side of the veil. I
will truly miss him.
DM in VA | 11:53 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a wonderful talk he gave last conference. His leadership and teachings have
always inspired me to be more Christ-like.
Mark Morphy | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Our family will miss you sweet Elder Wirthlin.
Angel | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a joyous time that we see this Brother moving on to be reunited with his
wife. What a great example to us all that he kept working to the very end. While
we look back on this great brothers life may we look forward also. As president
Hinckley put it "the best is yet to come" as quoted by Henry B. Eyring
at President Hinckley's funeral
Aaron | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
See you in the Millenium Joseph.
LJ Smith | 12:11 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
My husband absolutely loved Elder Wirthlin's conference talk. He quotes it
all the time. He was a great man, and a perfect example to us all.
One who heard his words | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
At a time like this, all that can be said is "come what may, and love
it."
A.B. Weston | 12:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
It was as wonderful to know Elder Wirthlin as it was to hear his talks. His
quiet compassion for his fellowman, his concern for the one and his ability to
reach out exemplified for me his love for the Savior and his Special Witness of
Him. I'm thankful for Elder Wirthlin.
LORELEI | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a special man he was. He eluded humbleness, kindness & love. I am
grateful to have heard his testimony in numerous talks & seen his fine
example in living the teachings of the Saviour. Thank you, Elder Wirthlin!
Dan | 12:26 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I am happy for Elder Wirthlin who will be enjoying a reunion with many family
members, most especially his sweet wife
Asaph | 12:26 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Brother Worthlin's talks helped get me into and stay in the church - a true
Apostle.
Ammon | 12:27 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Joseph B. Wirthlin was a giant of a man, who was founded upon the rock of Jesus
Christ. I have learned more about the character of Christ because of this great
man. Our families prayers and thoughts are with this gentle man.
From London | 12:41 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I was married by Elder Worthlin about a month after he was set apart as an
apostle. What a marvelous experience that was. He met with us a week before the
ceremony at the exact time of the ceremony in his office. I have always
cherished that visit and the counsel that he gave me at that time. Thank you
for your testimony and your example. You have touched my life forever.
Terry | 12:48 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
You will be missed here in earth. You have touched many lives . What an amazing
reunion happening right now
Jen | 12:52 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I am so thankful for Elder Wirthlin and the men he served with for their
willingness to serve the Lord (and us) with all they have. I am thankful to all
those who have posted such loving and thoughtful messages. It reaffirms my
faith in trying times.
Scott | 12:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I can see him going through the veil and embracing Him of whom Elder Wirthlin
eloquently testified is the Redeemer of the world.
lynn in tn | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Farewell dear soul. Thank you.
cbk16 | 12:57 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Inspiring person, he will be missed.
Magyar | 1:07 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He will be missed, a great man with a great message.
Ryan K. | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I will greatly miss his conference talks and his wonderful example. His talk a
few years ago on "The Virtue of Kindness" had a great affect on me and
helped give me a greater desire to treat others with more kindness. He was truly
a giant among men.
Provo | 1:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I always looked forward to his talks. You can't fake that kind of
gentleness, goodness, and wisdom.
Ute Forever | 1:23 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He will be forever missed in conference talks and countless contirbution to the
church!
Betty Leasure | 1:29 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
This wonderful man had a way with words. I, too, found his last Conference talk
so wonderful that I shared it with my visiting teaching sisters this month. We
will miss you, Elder Wirthlin, but through your words to us, your spirit and
testimony live on. Thank you for your example and service. You are loved my
many who never had the opportunity to shake your hand.
In Idaho | 1:36 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I'm reminded of something President Hinckley said when Elder Maxwell died.
He said that even though we wouldn't be able to hear his voice again on
this earth, his sermons would always be with us. Elder Wirthlin's sermons
changed my life. Some of my favorites include, "The Virtue of
Kindness" from May 2005, "The Abundant Life" from May 2006, and
"One Step After Another" from November of 2001. I'm so grateful
we'll always have his words of wisdom!
Thanks, Elder Wirthlin | 1:37 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a great life, inspiring messages, and caring person. Coincidentally, or
perhaps not, my family discussed Elder Wirthlin's last talk last night in
Family Home Evening. Such a fitting tribute to summarize the life of this great
man and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will very much miss Elder Joseph
B. Wirthlin. May his family find substantial comfort in his life of service!
Matthias from Germany | 1:40 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I love that man, I have seen him at the conference center and have feltthe
spirit through him. He is now united with his dear wife.
Penilope. Vodo | 1:44 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thank you so much dear Elder Wirthlin for all your inspiring messages .I
can feel your spirit eventhough I am serving ni the Fiji Army in the
Sinai desert.
Wish you all the best , and most espescially for your humbleness and your testimony that gives us power and strength.
Wish you all the best , and most espescially for your humbleness and your testimony that gives us power and strength.
Anonymous | 1:44 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He was a great man. He was truly an Apostle of Jesus Christ. The world was a
better place because of him.
manaen | 1:45 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Farewell, dear unmet Friend.
.
I've long enjoyed your counsels and your comments in the last two General Conferences helped my recent-convert fiancee understand why we need apostles and prophets among us today.
.
God bless you.
.
I've long enjoyed your counsels and your comments in the last two General Conferences helped my recent-convert fiancee understand why we need apostles and prophets among us today.
.
God bless you.
S. Morgan | 1:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A great man and leader left the earth. Job well done. A humble man and a great
example.
Ronald A. Young | 1:57 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
We loved him, and we will miss him. Our Prayers go out to his Ohana.
Shelby | 2:06 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thank your Elder Wirthlin for being a powerful follower of Christ in your
example of humility and love. We will miss you!
Mark | 2:10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a void Elder Wirthlin has left. Such is the life of a beloved Apostle of
the Lord Jesus Christ. He was always inspiring and insightful, and was always
aware of our problems and always had answers for our needs. And a football man.
Even if it was U. of U.
German Saint | 2:14 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thank you for serving my people so many years ago. You will be missed greatly.
I'm glad you're reunited with your dear sweetheart! God be with you
till we meet again.
Dave | 2:17 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thanks Elder Wirthlin! Many of your talks within the last decade have stood out
to me and have spoken to my personal situations and the time and helped greatly!
Thank you for your inspired counsel and dedicated service!
Anonymous | 2:20 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Together again...and never more to part. Rest in the Lord, and receive your
great reward.
Evans | 2:21 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin always made us smile. You brought us so much assurance, love,
and greatly strengthened our testimonies.
Anonymous | 2:29 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
God bless Elder Wirthlin for his love, devotion and service to the Saints.
Condolences to his family who must know peace in their hearts knowing that he is
with fellow Saints and loved ones, especially his beloved wife. Till we meet
again.
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"Faith exists when absolute confidence in that which we cannot see combines with action that is in absolute conformity to the will of our Heavenly Father. Without all three�first, absolute confidence; second, action; and third, absolute conformity�without these three all we have is a counterfeit, a weak and watered-down faith."
He set an example of action with faithfulness, teaching that we can only strengthen our faith when we are trying our best to be obedient to God's laws.
In the past four years we've lost some giants in the Church, all of whom are greatly missed. It is a joy, though, to see the Lord's work roll on, as others step into the callings and bring their special abilities to help us in these ever-changing times. We will always be grateful for the lives and teachings of these great men, and to their families for sharing them with us!