Deseret News | Reader comments: Gordon B. Hinckley

Reader comments
Gordon B. Hinckley — Long legacy

rudyard johansen | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

His breath of influence touched so many lives for good. He stands head and shoulders with anyone in history, above most and beside the greatest. God bless him and us for such a great life. Let's live ours a little better, because he lived his to the best!

kris | 10:19 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley is a great man, and he will be missed. The thing I find unusual is that you see pictures of people having candle-light vigils, and the people look so anguished as if President Hinckley is gone forever. He is not. I rejoice in the fact that he is on the other side of the veil with his Sweetheart that he sorely missed, and we all know that because of his great life here on earth, he has earned a place on the right hand of God. I would hope that people will focus on that, more than our loss of him here on earth.

Rich | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley was a kind, generous and warm man who looked for the good in everybody and reached out to other groups and other churches. He was true to his principles. Some disagreed with his stands on certain topics, but he was resolute without being judgmental and principled without being self-righteous. I enjoyed his sense of humor and his confidence in his beliefs. I really enjoyed it when a reporter asked how he felt about the Southern Baptists proselyting in Utah. He replied that he wished them success because there were many people the LDS church had not succeeded in reaching.

Comments continue below

Joanne Bagley | 11:10 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I became a member of the Church in 1995 just a few months after President Hinckley became President. I will always think of him as "my" Prophet I guess because of that. It was devastating to hear the news of his passing on ABC news last night. But, imagine - 97 years and so many of them he worked so hard for the Church and the members in it. So many may now go to Temples that couldn't before, so many heard so many words of wisdom and can read the things he was inspired to give to us. I mourn our loss but I know the promises he lived for are now his and he and Sister Hinckley are reunited.

Carol Plaster | 11:13 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

We will sorely miss our beloved President Hinckley. He has been our voice to the world. He has made it easier to be a member of Christ's Church in our communities. We mourn with all of you.

Sarah | 11:29 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley brought the church into new light throughout the world. He deserved the quiet passing among family in the home he served the world from for so many years.

Kevin | 11:52 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Pres. Hinkley will always be remembered for seeking out the good and people and encouraging everyone to be a little bit better. I will miss the prophet and hope that I can shake his hand again some day.

LEILANI | 12:12 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

MAN-O-MAN...WE REALLY WILL MISS YOU PRESIDENT HINCKLEY...I THINK SO FAR, HE WAS MY FAVORITE PROPHET LIKE FORREALz....NO JOKE...HE WAS JUSS AN ISPIRATION TO MEEH...BUT YEA...CEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE....

Terry Allred | 12:14 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

There are many things about the Prophet that I will remember... The greatest in my mind was his desire to broadcast kindness and be a vessel for that kindness to those around you. I was led to believe that to become a better person, I needed the people around me to do so and because of the changing world we live in, kindness had to be the conduit. He was a true face of goodness. Though I am not the man I would like to be, I will truly miss him and the message of goodness that he cast to all around him.

Mike | 12:47 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Perhaps better than any other man I have ever met, Pres. Hinckley had the ability to make sure that with everyone he met face to face, he always went out of his way to make them feel more important to the world than he was himself. For a prophet and head of a church to make those around him feel lifted and more important than himself, he truly exemplified the quality that he professed to believe in as a follower of Christ... His life was all about service, nothing more and nothing less, and everyone he ever met got that feeling from him. A life based, a life well lived, a legacy well deserved.

Jedd Church | 12:51 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I will miss President Hinckley's great sense of humor every time I watch conference

Agreee | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I agree with Kris' comments. Well put.

Sandi Joseph | 1:23 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

He truly will be missed!! I loved how he made everyone feel great about themselves. I loved his humor and the love he had for the Saints and all man kind. I loved his example and direction. He lived of life of devotion to Christ. His service was incrediable. I loved that he lived in the world, but no of the world. His legacy will go on thru life as a great man. I loved him. I know that he is with his be loved eternal companion. What a beautiful thought.

Melody Bennett Frm:Tuba City,AZ | 2:11 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

He Truly Will Be Missed! He Was a Great Leader to The Church...His wisdom and words have changed many lives...ï¿½The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.ï¿½ You Will Be Missed!!

With My Deepest Respect To You and Your Family...

Kacy Perez | 2:14 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinkley is "my Prophet too!" We got to see him at a conference he was speaking at, in Los Angeles many years ago. It was not a church function but he had everyone on the edge of their seats! Great human being! Read his bio book by Sister Dew, wonderful!

james stowe | 3:06 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

If Mitt wins the presidency for USA Monson might just as well have the title. God help us!!!!

Carolyn | 3:09 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

The Angels are singing!

Anonymous | 4:49 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

James Stowe, take a rest!

c�sar mu�oz y familia | 4:54 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

" HASTA VERNOS CON EL REY, AMADO PROFETA , BUEN SIERVO Y FIEL, ENTRA EN EL REPOSO DE TU DIOS Y MI DIOS." MI FAMILIA AYER EN LA NOCHE DE HOGAR HONRAMOS TU NOMBRE, Y NOS COMPROMETIMOS A LEER ESTE Aï¿½O EL LIBRO DE MORMON , UN CAPITULO DIARIO.
ADIï¿½S PDTE. HINCKLEY .

Troy | 5:03 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Is the author suggesting that the zenith of Hinckley's mission was to make the Saints seem less "weird" to the world? I thought Mormons were supposed to be a "peculiar people". But it sounds like Mormons just want to fit in and be loved. A very human desire. I just hope Latter-day Saints remember that many of their words and doctrines exclude and marginalize many people throughout the world, who also, just want to belong.

Mike R. | 5:12 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

James Stowe you are a goof and your religious bigotry is showing.

President Hinckley once told Governor Leavitt that he (President Hinckley) would run the church and told Leavitt to run the government.

I'm pretty sure that Pres. Monson, if asked, would give his opinion. But he wouldn't give it until asked. Just like any other citizen can do. Would Mitt follow? Maybe, maybe not.

Edgardo B. | 6:26 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Ha sido un gran privilegio y bendicion, el haber sido dirigido por este gran siervo del Seï¿½or, durante estos aï¿½os.

Su poder e influencia, y su gran legado de fe, determinacion, ejemplo de obediencia y fidelidad, y por sobre todo, vision de la urgencia en la obra, ha dejado una fuerte impresion en la vida de nuestra familia, que no lo olvidaremos jamas; HONRAREMOS SU NOMBRE, SIENDO OBEDIENTES Y SEGUIDORES DE SUS PRECEPTOS Y PRINCIPIOS RECIBIDOS

GRACIAS PTE HINCKLEY POR SU AMOR,Y POR LA BENDICION QUE HA SIDO PARA TODOS LOS SANTOS DE LOS ULTIMOS DIAS.

LE AMAMOS CON TODO NUESTRO CORAZON!!!

Cookie | 6:47 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley is the only active, speaking Prophet I have known since joining the church in 1989. There can never be another President Hinckley. He will always be "my Prophet" There are many things I will remember... The greatest in my mind was his desire to broadcast kindness and be a magnet for that kindness to those around you. His smile was contagious, sense of humor unique and always on target. He certainly is a choice son whom Heavenly Father rejoiced at his return! I know the pathway to Heaven's Celestial Kingdom was paved with angels rejoicing and that his dear, wonderful and patient wife ran to embrace her lifetime sweetheard. I will truly miss his smiling face but rejoice at his eternal happiness. His life was all about 27/7 service to the world, nothing more and nothing less. Everyone he ever met got that feeling. A life based, a life well lived. A memorable legacy to for humankind to follow.

Teresita | 6:59 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I will miss him but I know there is happiness in the spiritual world, a great leader has gone there to continue working.
Gracias Pres. Hinckley por tu amor y tus buenos consejos en este tiempo.
Hasta Pronto!!

Dixia Torrej� | 7:08 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

We thank thee Lord for President Hinckley, his advices, his faith and all what he did for us and for the church. He visited Chile twice and they were ono of the most wonderful experiences Iï¿½ve had.We thank thee oh God for a prophet!!!.Gracias querido y amado Profeta Hinckley.

Chris from Lubbock, TX | 7:26 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

In response to Troy, yes, the New Testament does tell us that the members of Christ's church are supposed to be "a peculiar people," and the question of "weird" vs. "peculiar" is, in many respects, one of opinion, but when one looks at the various meanings of weird and those of peculiar, most all of the meanings of weird have a negative connotation, while peculiar can be taken to mean "unusual, and not easy to find, but worthwhile, desirable, and worthy of emulation." This latter description certainly applies to Pres. Hinckley. As for the marginalization, he and the other leaders of the church sought to reach out to any and all that were willing to strive to live the commandments, the only way to true and lasting joy in this life and the life to come. I have two brothers who became involved in some of the lifestyles that might be considered "marginalized" by LDS doctrine, but they have come to realize that the best way to belong and be happy is by keeping the commandments.

Karla | 7:29 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Dieu soit avec toi j'usquau revoir...
Merci pour ton sourire et ton amour notre chï¿½re prophï¿½te... ont te gardera toujours dans notre coeur et nos pensï¿½e...merci seigneur pour se grand prophï¿½te...aurevoir...

From Montrï¿½al, QC Canada

ET3 | 7:51 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

He visited on one occassion and spoke from the pulpit of our chapel here in South Auckland Mangere New Zealand im gonna miss him.
Fakaue lahi kehe perofeta he atua mo e haau a tau gahua mitaki kehe lalolagi katoa oue tulou.

aubrey | 8:05 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I will miss President Hinckly a lot but I know that he is really happy,and he is with his wife. I am grateful that he was our President. I know he brought joy to a lot of people.I will miss him!

Markus | 8:13 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

A prophet passes the veil and waves a silent farewell...

Henry Drummond | 9:07 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Even though I am not of your faith, I do believe that President Hinckly represented all that is good in Christianity. I have not had the pleasure of speaking with him in recent years, but I do remember him as someone who was unpretentious, good humored, and genuinely concerned for others. The world cannot help but be poorer with the loss of such a man.

Richard L. Evans, a Mormon Apostle who I also came to admire once said, "Those who we bid farewell to in this life, are greeted by others." In that spirit I wish this kind and decent man a wonderful journey and a blessed reunion with those he loved and who loved him.

Bruce Hunter | 9:56 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley's passing has left this world a lesser place, but I know there is great joy among those greeting him in the life to come. This wonderful man has labored long and hard in various positions in the LDS Church and, if any one deserves to hear the words "Well done, thou good and faith servant," it is Gordon B. Hinckley. He has been in key positions as the Church came out of obscurity as a "Utah" religion and spread throughout the world. He had the vision of a world-wide religion and moved to provide the all the benefits of membership to all members throughout the world. He visited them, he loved them and he provided temple worship as many of them as possible. I love him and will miss him. He was truly an exceptional man.

Heber-ite | 10:51 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

"Well done thou good and faithful servant, well done"

moap box | 10:54 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Mormons are regular people, said President Gordon B. Hinckley --

ok- he was a human person, yes. but a prophet???? NO Way man.....

& you people want to bee seen as normal... what a joke!

Josh | 10:51 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

It really hadn't occurred to me until the other day, that we really will see eachother again. What a beautiful day that will be.

Anonymous | 11:49 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I think we can all agree that the passing of President Hinkley is a bittersweet occasion. In my lifetime I have only felt as close to President Spencer W. Kimball, as I have felt to President Hinkley. I know that we will all have fond memories of our prophet, leader, and friend. May we honor his legacy by fullfilling his great counsel.

Carol P. Warnick | 3:38 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

President Hinckley's example will always be remembered. He loved everyone despite their differences. He was truly a prophet of God.

Anonymous | 9:40 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

moap box do you hear anyone calling what you belive to be a joke. You can believe what you want, but don't mock other's beliefs.

Kenny | 4:53 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008

Moap box... Your comment provides no grounds by which you make your claim. How do you know President Hinckly was not a prophet of God? Have you asked God yourself? Have you been told by God that he is not a prophet? Did Gordon B. Hinckley tell you himself? And what makes you normal and not me? I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am pleased to be so. Give me a reason why that makes me abnormal... a good reason. If your comments can't be more valid than, "what a joke," then why are you posting it? The chruch was here long before you were and it will be here long after you leave. That is a testiment to me of it's goodness and the goodness of the saints that will keep it moving forward with a prophet of God at the helm.

Steve | 9:59 a.m. Feb. 2, 2008

President Hinckley was a kind man, I enjoyed listening to him give his talks as I struggle with my life his words help me to understand the purpose of why we are all here on this earth.

Here is a Question to all of you "what would you like to be remembered for after you are gone from the earth?"

We done need to defend our Prophet of GOD, we all know what he was and no one will be able to take away the memories that we had of a Great Prophet. He was called of God and just like Joesph Smith there will always be those that disagree with the teaching of our church. All we can do is believe in our beliefs. No one cant take those away, not even with the point of the sword....

Paul | 4:22 p.m. Feb. 2, 2008

Being only a recent convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I mourn with all the passing of our dear Prophet. Having experienced the loss of a child in infancy, life really took on a meaningless path for me. Kind and caring LDS friends helped my wife and I understand that there is a wonderful place to go to, to be with family once again. President Hinckley knew it, testified of it and inspired us all to be better children of a loving God. I know he has his peace being with Sis. Hinckley now...God be with us all 'til we meet again.

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