Reader comments
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, oldest apostle, 91, dies at home
254 comments | Read story
a wise man | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I never appreciated this wise man like I should have until my husband and I were
supposed to home teach a family. I came across an article Elder Wirthlin had
written and I couldn't believe his wise council. For me, I never found him
the most exciting speaker as some other General Authorities. But now I realize
how much I missed out because his wise words were so inspirational. Thank
goodness we have his words in our Conference talks and also the books he has
written.
Sally & Doug | 9:23 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Our heart and prayers go out to Elder Wirthlin's family. Thank you for
sharing your wonderful father with us.
We will miss your sweet countenance. Thank You for sharing your love of the Gospel with us.
We will miss your sweet countenance. Thank You for sharing your love of the Gospel with us.
Granny T. | 9:23 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
"Come What May and Love It" Thank you Elder Worthlin, this saying has
meant so much to us this last while. We will miss you.
Comments continue below
What a wonderful man | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He is a true disciple of Jesus Christ and we are all blessed to have lived to
hear him and feel of his Christlike example. I will truly miss him. To his
family, be at peace.
Jenn | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I will miss Elder Wirthlin. His conference addresses were among my very
favorite. Who could forget his last "Come What May and Love it"? He
was an amazing man.
Sarah Nichole | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I said after watching this past General Conference that I didn't think
Elder Wirthlin would live long enough to speak at another one, and how sad that
thought made me. I was very concerned for his health when I saw him sitting down
to give his talk. I have loved Elder Wirthlin for years for his sense of humor,
his strong testimony, and his wonderful love and kindness, and I will miss him
and his presence. He touched my life, and I hope to be able to tell him so
someday.
whet 10 | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thank you Elder Wirthlin for your strength and tenacity in adversity, and
especially your powerfull testimony of the Savior.
Southern Utah | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
God Speed Elder Wirthlin!!! You will be greatly missed by all. Thank You,
Thank You, Thank You, for being such a great example to world.
Chad W. | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thank You! I am a better person because of you!
St. George Gal | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin lived a life of gospel service for our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. He followed His example and we were all blessed because of it. We will
miss him, we will remember him, we will mourn with Elder Wirthlin's family,
we will also rely on our faith that he is with the loved ones he was so eager to
be with again. I know I am grateful that the Lord blessed us with such a great
man.
The Lue Family | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Our sadness at his loss, our joy at his reunion with his sweetheart, our
gratitude for the sermons and service of a great instrument in our Heavenly
Father's hands.
God bless you, Wirthlins!
God bless you, Wirthlins!
Idaho member | 9:45 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin, we will miss you. May our heavenly father bless you as you
continue your labors on the other side.
TVB | 9:45 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin, will be missed. He touched many young and old mens lives with
his football stories. What a great man!
Stacy | 9:49 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I met Elder Wirthlin and his wife when I was 20 years old. He set apart my
father as a mission president. There were 10 of us there and he took time to
meet each one. He has a great spirit of kindness and love to all. What a great
Apostle of the Lord. I've always enjoyed is talks and testimony of the
Savior. While I've listened and watched Elder Wirthlin I've thought
many times on what a great grandpa he must be. Condolences to his family and
thank you for sharing your father and grandfather.
Sioloa Arp | 10:00 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A great loss. I will miss his great spiritual talks and his great example of
kindness and love. His words of inspiration and stories from his life have
motivated me in many ways. His talk in Dec 2000 Ensign, "Journey of
Life" has helped me look differently at some of the trials that I have been
going through. He said five things, if we take them seriously and apply them to
our life, will bring us happiness, success, fulfillment, and the obtaining of an
inheritance in the celestial kingdom. (1) Have faith in Heavenly Father (2) Set
righteous goals (3) Work to accomplish your goals (4) Magnify your callings (5)
Enjoy the journey. Elder Wirthlin, you are truly a pillar of strength in the
church; you are truly a great servant of God, and you will be missed greatly by
all. Thank you for your great example.
kent jean | 10:04 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
This gentle spiritual giant has touched my life and made me a better person than
I would otherwise have been. I look forward to meeting him again on the other
side.
Shawn | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Wirthlin family. May God continue to bless
them and let them know Elder Wirthlin is in a better place. This is a sad day
for the church and may God bless the rest of the LDS faith in knowing he is in a
better place as well. He will be reunited with his wife and the love of his
life. Thank you Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, you were truly an inspiration. God
bless Elder Wirthlin.
Thank you! | 10:08 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
How could you not love Elder Wirthln? He was so genuine, sincere, and calm.
Completely dedicated to building the Kingdom, respecting others, and loving and
living the gospel.
Late in his life he carried a list of things to do in his pocket, along with a pen and a highlighter ("some things are more important than others, and need special attention" he taught us once at a Stake Conference).
Some years ago he issued a calling to me. I couldn't help but feel his commitment and concern. He inspired me that day.
What a great example he was!
We will miss you, Elder Wirthlin!
Late in his life he carried a list of things to do in his pocket, along with a pen and a highlighter ("some things are more important than others, and need special attention" he taught us once at a Stake Conference).
Some years ago he issued a calling to me. I couldn't help but feel his commitment and concern. He inspired me that day.
What a great example he was!
We will miss you, Elder Wirthlin!
Omaha | 10:08 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a great man...I will miss him.
Nate | 10:11 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I,too, grew to love and admire Elder Wirthlin through his very practical and
spiritually nourishing talks. Perhaps more than his words, I felt drawn to him
by his Christlike demeanor and attitude. You can tell so much about a person by
the way his or her family, friends, and associates speak and act around them.
Who can forget his talk in General Conference, I believe in October 2007, when
Elder Wirthlin's knees had locked up and he was clearly struggling
physically to complete his address. Elder Nelson stood beside Elder Wirthlin
and steadied him. Elder Wirthlin was not to be deterred until he finished
bearing his witness of truth. At the conclusion of his remarks, Elder Wirthlin
gave an audible "thank you" to his fellow Apostle and the whole
episode burned in my heart as a great example of the Savior's love. How
many times after Elder Wirthlin spoke in General Conference did one of his
Brethren immediately preface their remarks with a heartful, emotional expression
of love and admiration for Elder Wirthlin? Elder Wirthlin, we love you, we love
your family for sharing you with us and we are better people because of you.
Irene CA | 10:13 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin,thank you for all your wise wisdoms and beautiful teachings. My
deepest condolences to the Wirthlin Family. He will be greatly missed.
Michael Vines | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Simply . . . Thank you Elder & God Bless you.
Anonymous | 10:15 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He was an amazing man! I loved his last conference talk!!!
Mao's Family | 10:16 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a wonderful, kind and gentle man that he was. His example touched our life.
We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayer goes to Wirthlin family.
Sister C | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
My heart is full of gratitude this morning for the life of this great man. He
has taught me much and his most recent conference talk will be with me and help
me through my life. What a marvelous example of one who knew how to live a
Christ like life because he knew the Master. We have been so blessed to have him
to lead us. Love and condolances to his great family.
PHIL SMARTT | 10:19 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
ELDER WIRTHLIN STAYED IN OUR HOME AND HE WAS A HUMBLE
MAN WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR.HE WILL BE MISSED.
MAN WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR.HE WILL BE MISSED.
MoJules | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
To the Wirthlin family, thank you for sharing your father/grandfather all these
years. To the family and the 1st Presidency and Apostles, I offer my
condolences, I know that you have a giant void right now.
I am happy for Elder Wirthlin, I am happy that he was able to be productive to his dying day. I am happy that our loving Father in Heaven took him in a very peaceful way. I am happy that he is now able to walk with freedom and stand tall and enjoy again the company of his Eternal Companion.
For whomever fills that spot in the Twelve, my love, support and prayers are already extended on your behalf.
I am happy for Elder Wirthlin, I am happy that he was able to be productive to his dying day. I am happy that our loving Father in Heaven took him in a very peaceful way. I am happy that he is now able to walk with freedom and stand tall and enjoy again the company of his Eternal Companion.
For whomever fills that spot in the Twelve, my love, support and prayers are already extended on your behalf.
Anonymous | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin was a great man. He will truly be missed. Our hearts are with
his family at this time.
CooperIdaho | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The church has lost one of the hardest working men it has had in this
dispensation. Elder Wirthlin's life was a testment to diligence and labor
in the name of the Lord. As a former missionary in Europe, I am eternally
grateful for what he did -- both as a missionary and area president -- in
opening doors to the Saints there and helping the work progress. My heartfelt
thanks to the Lord for his remarkable servant.
Jens | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a successful life. I never met him, but he made a difference for me. I
understand a lot more about who I am and a lot more about who God is, because of
Elder Wirthlin.
A Great Man | 10:31 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
After Elder Wirthlin was called as an Apostle in 1986, my grandfather fondly
recalled playing marbles with "Joe Wirthlin" when they were boys.
I'm sure they ball together at the U as well. What a great example to us
all of a man who lived what he preached.
washcomom | 10:32 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A great man with endearing humor and love of life, family, and godliness. Enjoy
your reunion with your wife.
He will go straight to heaven! | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He will be missed, luckily he probably is already taken care of. I read last
night about a ceremony for members that ensures celestrial kingdom, more than
likely he rocked that before passing! I guess its a ceremony that some higher
ups and other in the church have completed and it basically is to ensure that no
matter what happens after the ceremony that the person recieving will 100% go to
heaven. SIGN ME UP!
Michael | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Joseph B. Wirtlin, a great apostle in these latter days. I will always
miss him greatly because he has shared with us each the awesome testimony of his
that Jesus lives, that this is the restored Gospel and that we each can be
better by being humble followers of Jesus Christ. We have truly lost a great
apostle. Thank you Elder Wirthlin for your awesome example to each of us of how
we should live our lives.
Graham's | 10:36 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
We are eternally grateful for your service to the Lord. We will miss you
dearly. But, what a reunion for you and your wife. God be with you till we
meet again...
Brittany MacKenzie | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
You will be missed. A great and Loyal leader with a kind gentle heart. May you
reunite with your sweetheart and may you be blessed for your efforts &
hardwork.
E.Mann | 10:45 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A humble and dedicated servant returns with HONOR! May we honor his service by
living more Christlike lives! Elder Wirthlin leaves a legacy of FAITH for us
all to follow!
'Ofa lahi atu Elder Wirthlin.
Till we meet again :)
'Ofa lahi atu Elder Wirthlin.
Till we meet again :)
Sunshine | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Elder Wirthlin, a spiritual giant among men, wonderful stories that I and
countless others could relate to. He will be remembered. Thank you.
aubrey | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
he was a great man and a great example to everyone. He will always be in my
life. I will miss him dearly.
Liz Mann | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Till We meet again Elder Wirthlin!
Arohanui!
Arohanui!
roger | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I love that man
jcdodobear | 10:53 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Dear Elder Wirthlin will be sorely missed. My condolances to the family. He
was a great man and much loved by all.
Alex | 10:53 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The spiritual experiences I had with Elder Wirthlin's messages came when,
having carried out his counsel, I knew for myself that he was right. That
shouldn't be that big of a surprise. Apostles of the Lord give us the
whole grain gospel--that which will nourish. His testimony of the Savior was
solid as was his commitment to his calling. He was a true apostle of the Lord
and I will miss him.
May God bless his family during their grief. They are the unsung heroes who have given their father, grandfather and husband to the world to act as a special witness. It may be hard for us who do not have a member of the family in that situation to understand. However, if there are any of Elder Wirthlin's family out there, I just want to tell you thank you.
May God bless his family during their grief. They are the unsung heroes who have given their father, grandfather and husband to the world to act as a special witness. It may be hard for us who do not have a member of the family in that situation to understand. However, if there are any of Elder Wirthlin's family out there, I just want to tell you thank you.
B Vance. | 10:53 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
We are so grateful for Elder Wirthlin and we will deeply miss him. We pray for
his family at this time. But we remember what wonderful peace awaits him in the
kingdom of his Father.
Goodbye | 10:54 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He was one of the last truly compassionate Apostles. He really did love
everyone, and truly desired to serve more than judge. He was a class act. I hope
they can find another like him to fill his shoes.
Millers in Belgium | 11:05 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Earth is a better place having had Joe Wirthlin grace it with his presence. We
wish his family the best and thank them for sharing him with us.
Thank You! | 11:05 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thanks to Elder Wirthlin for his humility, kindness, work ethic, and sweetness!
He will be missed.
How wonderful it was to see him last year in conference, enduring to then end with Elder Nelson at his side.
What fun to hear his stories about football. Refusing to take credit for the touchdown he missed by a few inches.
We will miss his words of comfort and faith.
Well done, good and faithful servant!
How wonderful it was to see him last year in conference, enduring to then end with Elder Nelson at his side.
What fun to hear his stories about football. Refusing to take credit for the touchdown he missed by a few inches.
We will miss his words of comfort and faith.
Well done, good and faithful servant!
Alma Mills | 11:05 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I fondly remember the talk he gave in General Conference on Love. He was
shaking so much that Elder Nelson got up to steady him. I also remember the
talk on kindness he gave. He wanted to help us remember the true essence of
Christianity. He will be missed but not forgotten :)
Tommi Foy Jones | 11:06 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
To Ann W. Farnsworth (my 6th grade teacher) and all of the Wirthlin Family: My
love and prayers are with you at this time. Thank you for sharing your beloved
father with all of us. We are all much better people for having had his words
of wisdom from the pulpit each and every conference. May his wonderful spirit
live on in all of your lives. God Bless!
J Curley | 11:06 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
He was a wonderful apostle of the Lord. I'm grateful for his devotion to
the work. I know the Lord has called him home to take on another work.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust 2:01 a.m.
- Wildcats face tough defense 1:59 a.m.
- Aggies look to Idaho for an example 1:58 a.m.
- Aggies host Southern Utah 1:53 a.m.
- Cougars turn back Wildcats' 1:44 a.m.
- Cougar women lose at home 1:41 a.m.
- Sloan's two point guard lineup 1:39 a.m.
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory 1:36 a.m.
- RSL's Movsisyan departs 1:36 a.m.
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset 1:27 a.m.
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
265 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple211
- Thunder rolls by Jazz136
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin133
- Boys basketball rankings128
- Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin112
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies109
- Letters: Trump card for believers93
- Rivalry Week is highly profane85
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls75
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
Latest comments
Score more points.
When the coach is organized and runs the team, there is consistancy. When...
Hello Anonymous...you chicken to let us know who you are? What is wrong with...
Speed kills. Utes win.
Coach Whittingham!
And Y'all thought BYU football was Bi-Polar? Somebody get these guys some meds!
Instead of getting rid of football let's get rid of the crap that you teach...
Speed kills, as we have seen with TCU and Florida St. Utah is faster and more...
Kudos to the Utes on a big win. It makes the Aggies loss to you hurt just a...
is why we're so up and down. I think they will be solid by conference play....
Advertisements