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Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, oldest apostle, 91, dies at home
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Bert Australia | 1:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin visited Australia several years ago and presided at our Stake
Conference.
Here was a person who was able to see through the mists of darkness blown up by the hypocrisy, intolerance, bitterness, fault-finding and spiritual ignorance of many who wish to witness the demise of the Church. He could recognise and teach the simple truths of the Gospel with a level of humility that is rare.
At a time when much 'sifting' is occurring within in Church I pray that the Lord will continue to raise up leaders of such quality and I pray also that we all might have the courage and sense to listen to them. There truly is much at stake.
Here was a person who was able to see through the mists of darkness blown up by the hypocrisy, intolerance, bitterness, fault-finding and spiritual ignorance of many who wish to witness the demise of the Church. He could recognise and teach the simple truths of the Gospel with a level of humility that is rare.
At a time when much 'sifting' is occurring within in Church I pray that the Lord will continue to raise up leaders of such quality and I pray also that we all might have the courage and sense to listen to them. There truly is much at stake.
Krista | 1:14 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Thank you Elder Wirthlin for your excellent example of enduring to the end
cheerfully! I am really going to miss your talks! We love you!!
Comments continue below
SLC UTAH | 1:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
We love Elder Wirthlin. He was an amazing man with a great sense of humor. He
will be dearly missed. His testimony and example will live on.
God Bless His Wonderful Family At This Time Of Loss.
God Bless His Wonderful Family At This Time Of Loss.
Ken | 1:39 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Wonderful man with a great spirit,humble,loving he had great stories and life to
share with us. May his reunion be sweet with his dear companion
Jeffrey | 2:00 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
A sad day. I have to wonder though if Elder Wirthlin's passing is related
to the Prop 8 protests. The timing cannot just be coincidental.
Ellingsens UK | 2:25 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
We often spoke about this Apostle's conference speech and found Elder
Wirthlin and his speech refreshing and interesting.Condolences to family and
friends.
Scott Soderberg | 3:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin was a man of god and an apostle of the lord, we will miss him
dearly.My thoughts and prayer are with the family especally his daughter Liz and
her husband Dan,May lord bless you and comfort you at this time.
Dan | 3:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
What a humble and gracious man. A true witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. We
will miss you...
John | 6:24 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Another classic talk was the one he gave shortly after his dear wife passed
away. Elder Wirthlin's Sunday has come! We are grateful for his time with
us!
CA Chappell | 6:30 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I will miss "Speedy", as President Monson calls him. What a great
example of hard work, spritual groundedness, is that a word?,and love of the
Savior. I and my family will surely miss him.
RN in Ohio | 6:51 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Returned with honor.
Luis Neit | 7:16 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Behold, a man without guile!
Thanks for your great example. From the DR.
Thanks for your great example. From the DR.
Rose | 7:18 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin was a great servant of the Lord and one we all have loved and
admired for his Christlike life. We will surely miss him but are thankful for
what he has taught us.
anna graham | 7:34 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
We always loved Speedy and will miss him .. he was always looking for fun and
the most from life and it is no coincidence that his name, Elder Wirthlin, is
an anagram of "Thrill Widener" ... that was Speedy alright
EM | 8:05 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
The world has lost a true follower of Christ, and the spirit world will be
better for it. A great teacher he was, he will be greatly missed
Scott | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I'll mis him; a fantastic guy, great spotsman. EJW truly lived. He now
doesn't have to worry about the riff raff of this world. He won the
eternal mega prize. I bet he's laughing now! hope to see ya on the other
side! Good bye!
Matthew Faerber | 8:48 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
My life is changed because of Elder Joseph Worthlin. I have been uplifted and
inspired by him, by the way he relates to common people with practical stories
and counsel, and by his great example of love and humility. I will miss him -
God bless the memory of this dear disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sharon | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
When one of our great church leaders pass on - it is always a reminder to the
rest of us of how wonderful life after death will be == when we can again
associate with such great and wonderful friends and family. Love to the
Wirthlin family. We truly loved Elder Wirthlin. He is such a stalwart in the
kingdom.
Bruce Barton (Silver City, N.M. | 9:06 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin was a great man, I enjoyed all his talks. It is great he is now
with his beloved wife. He will missed by tons of people. Thanks Elder Wirthlin
for being a great person.
What a giant of a man! | 9:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I have learned so many lessons from this man. May God bless his family for
sharing so unselfishly.
Wendy Rojas | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
He will surely be missed!
One last Goodbye from a Grandson | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Grandad,
Thank you for being the man you always were. You were always real and my grandad, yet an Apostle of the Lord to all of the World. You were always an extremely private person and never sought attention, cameras or the media. Yet you never shunned your responsibilities.
When our family needed you, you were always there for us, even with your busy schedule. There is not a single man on earth that has had a greater impact on my life than you have had on mine. That is what makes saying goodbye to you so hard. You were the best example a grandson could have, and I will forever be thankful for that.
I am sad that I won�t be able to see and talk with you again in this life, yet so happy for you to be able to be with Grandma again. Your love for her was perfect. You are the example for all of us to look to on how to be a husband and father. In my eyes, you mastered these duties and were perfect. We are all better people because of you. Grandad, God be with you til we meet again.
Love,
Steve
Thank you for being the man you always were. You were always real and my grandad, yet an Apostle of the Lord to all of the World. You were always an extremely private person and never sought attention, cameras or the media. Yet you never shunned your responsibilities.
When our family needed you, you were always there for us, even with your busy schedule. There is not a single man on earth that has had a greater impact on my life than you have had on mine. That is what makes saying goodbye to you so hard. You were the best example a grandson could have, and I will forever be thankful for that.
I am sad that I won�t be able to see and talk with you again in this life, yet so happy for you to be able to be with Grandma again. Your love for her was perfect. You are the example for all of us to look to on how to be a husband and father. In my eyes, you mastered these duties and were perfect. We are all better people because of you. Grandad, God be with you til we meet again.
Love,
Steve
Non-Mormon condolences | 9:54 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I am not LDS but I too lost my father this year. Sharing the family's sense
of loss, our condolences to the family of Elder Wirthlin. A kind, wise and
gentle voice is welcome in any community and Elder Wirthlin's will be
missed by all, not just those of his faith. May his family find strength in his
confidence and comfort in his words.
John Pack Lambert | 10:09 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I am sure it is a great day for Elder Wirthlin. He was suffering greatly in
this life, especially since his wife died over two years ago. He has gone to a
much better place, to be with her and outside of this life of suffering. He
will be missed.
Cougar | 10:11 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Thanks be to God for the life and example of this great Apostle of the Lord! We
love you Elder Wirthlin; you are a man for the ages. True to the faith that our
parents have cherished! True to the truth for which martyrs have perished! To
God's command, whole heart and hand, faithful and true we will ever
stand!
God bless the Wirthlin family this day, and always.
God bless the Wirthlin family this day, and always.
Markham | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin was a great apostle. We will miss his wonderful talks. Our
thoughts and prayers are with the Wirthlin family.
Matt in downtown DC | 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I always looked forward to Elder Wirthlin's talks in General Conference,
and always came away touched and with a resolve to be a better person. I love
Elder Wirthlin and will miss him very much.
kenny | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
the thing that I'm most greatful for is to be a member of the church that
is guided and sustained by men such as Elder Wirthlin.Its as always seeing the
beacon of the lighthouse as one rides the waves in the stormy sea.Elder Wirthlin
was one of many a lightkeeper.We miss those of whom have passed on before and we
will miss this brother as well.
I. Bawden | 10:45 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I am grateful for Elder Wirthlin's example to me. I know that his service
is worth emulating. Thankyou Elder Wirthlin, there are so many lives touched
because of your kind words.
Ana Bentley | 11:01 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder Wirthlin,
You were a great apostle. Thank you for helping in every time of need. You are the best!! I wish you the best in heaven, and say hi to Jesus, and if you happen to see them my three year old sister Necia Bentley and my Grandpa Royce Trapier! Thanks!
You were a great apostle. Thank you for helping in every time of need. You are the best!! I wish you the best in heaven, and say hi to Jesus, and if you happen to see them my three year old sister Necia Bentley and my Grandpa Royce Trapier! Thanks!
A Just Man Made Perfect | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Every once in a great while there comes a man who, for all intents and purposes,
has achieved perfection in this life: perfect kindness, perfect gentleness,
perfect honesty, perfect humility, perfect devotion, perfect charity. Joseph B.
Wirthlin was and is such a man--a just man made perfect. No flash, just
substance. His talks are a distillation of timeless wisdom spoken in the
eloquence of plain, unaffected language. His life here, though completed, will
continue to be an inspiration to me.
By the way, his family has compiled some of his greatest talks in a wonderful book published by Deseret Book called "Press On."
By the way, his family has compiled some of his greatest talks in a wonderful book published by Deseret Book called "Press On."
Van Tucker | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I worked for the Wirthlin family years ago in the meat business. Although Joe
Jr. was my boss, when Joseph B. Sr. came in there was a powerful presence. This
is a wonder family and my appreciation goes out the all of them.
Nancy | 11:22 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
WE will truly miss you Elder Wirthlin. I sure did love your talks in
conference's but the last one you gave is truly a treasure for all of us to
remember to carry on with smiles and laughter no matter what we are facing at
the time. Thank you for your years of service and may the Lord be with Your
Family at this time with his loving care and comfort.
njp | 11:31 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
From all of us in Montana...God bless this wonderful man and his family. What a
truly great example of kindness and sweet humility.
Brigitte | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
You and Elisa have been such great friends, and I am glad you can get together
again now!
Wishing you joy forever!
Wishing you joy forever!
A. Owen Smoot | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Dear Ann Wirthlin Farnsworth & family, I honor and love your father. I
remember the first time I met him in person when Ann nearly died in the hospital
and I was privileged to be her Bishop. What a remarkable family. My love and
condolences to you all and thank you for sharing your wonderful father with the
rest of us. He has been a great blessing to all of us. A. Owen Smoot M.D.
Touched | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Your life was "Wirth"-while. Thank you.
anna graham | 12:08 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Elder "Speedy" Wirthlin will be missed and it is no coincidence that
an anagram of his name is "WILD HEELED Y SPRINTER" ... how apt for
such a fast and wonderful man
Roberts Fam | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
We love you Elder Wirthlin, We loved listening to you, we pray all the blessings
of the spirit to be of comfort to your incredible family. Thank you for your
love, example, and all of your service in all of our behalf. An Apostle of God
has returned with honor.
Lufilufi Purcell Taua | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I will miss this great and humble man during General Conference and I always
look forward to hearing and reading his messages in General Conference and in
the church magazines. My deepest condolences to his wonderful and lovely family.
Have a great journey home Elder Wirthlin!! You will greatly be missed, but your
legacy, influence, example, and testimony will forever live on in our hearts!
Rud | 12:55 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Now, this is journalism, hope journalism, the short story of a long and great
life. Forget CNN for an hour and hope for light in the lives of humankind.
That flame was ever great in this kind, unasumming man.
papalou | 3:56 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Thank you Elder Wirthlin for your life of service and dedication to the gospel
of Jesus Christ. You will be greatly remembered and sorely missed. Till we
meet again.
Todd Wirthlin | 4:09 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
At my mother's funeral in July "Jo" came up to me after the
service and said "You will see her again and it will be glorious".
I will miss the times he came up to our ranch in Wyoming during the summers. He loved the open space and the peace it gave him.
He had the true understanding of the Gospel and shared with everyone that wanted to hear.
I will miss you "Jo"
I will miss the times he came up to our ranch in Wyoming during the summers. He loved the open space and the peace it gave him.
He had the true understanding of the Gospel and shared with everyone that wanted to hear.
I will miss you "Jo"
Evan E | 6:34 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I remember meeting Elder Wirthlin while serving a mission for The Church in the
Ireland Dublin Mission in '86. He hadn't bee called to the
Apostleship at that time, but I remember the spirit was very strong with him. I
can imagine his reunion now with the Prophets of old, along with the late
President Hinckley, and Elder Faust, along with his sweet wife !
To the Wirthlin Family, may the Lord be with you at this time !
To the Wirthlin Family, may the Lord be with you at this time !
Tory | 8:29 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
What a great and wonderful man. We will truly miss him.
Best wishes to his family.
Best wishes to his family.
Jay Chen | 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Thank you for all you done, we will miss you!
Brian | 9:33 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
You have deeply touched our lives with your kind words and deeds. Your have
exemplified what it means to be a true representative of our Savior.
Southerner | 10:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
One of my favorite quotes by Elder Wirthlin was when he said that we must
"end our fixation on wealth." I had never heard such counsel
regarding riches hit so directly and succinctly. Rest in Peace Elder Wirthlin.
shawilli | 2:00 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008
249 comments and not an unkind word in any of them, but one would be shocked and
indeed offended if there were an unkind word spoken of this Giant of The Lord. I
join with the entire church in expressing my condolences to the Wirthlin family,
what a remarkable and humble servant of the servants of God.I have been blessed
along with the entire church by this faithful and kind servant's words and
his tireless example to us all over these many wonderful years we have been
privillaged to have him amoung us. God bless the memory of this mighty man in
Israel and may God be with you till we meet again.
Shaun Williams
Shaun Williams
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Reading from you in the past years have taught me the precepts of life. Thanks for coming my way and touching the inner part of my spirituality with the magic in your words as you teach the word of Jesus Christ in all your deeds. You will be greatly missed but I know of a surety that the Angels are happy that you have come visiting. To us that you left behind may we walk by emulating your total humility, honesty and submitt our goings to the will of GOD ALMIGHTY. Adieu Dear Elder Wirthlin.