Deseret News | Elder Daniel H. Ludlow dies at age 84

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Elder Daniel H. Ludlow dies at age 84

Leon & Karen Smith | 11:04 p.m. Feb. 15, 2009

Dear Victor,

We are sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a great man and has a great son also. We were surprised to read that he was born in Benjamin, which is where my mother was born and the town of Benjamin was named after one of my gr. gr. grandfathers Benjamin Franklin Stewart. My mother also attended school in Benjamin and Spanish Fork. I was born in Payson, but moved to Spanish Fork when I was six and lived there until I married Leon.

Your Dad will be sorely missed by all.

All of our love,

Leon and Karen Smith
Seal Beach, California

John Zarbock | 11:10 p.m. Feb. 15, 2009

My heart and condolences go out to the Ludlow family. I was privileged to spend a semester being tutored by this wonderful, and brilliant man. After 30 years I still reflect on the teachings, instructions, and life lessons I learned from Elder Ludlow. It is impossible to calculate the many lives that this great man has touched with his kind, gentle manner, and also the incredible insights he provided to into both ancient and modern day scripture to so many of his students. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and for a man of his stature, he possessed a self-deprecating way about him. I love being around this great man as he would escort us through the lands of Israel. We learned much from him.
Please accept our deepest sympathy to Luene and your wonderful family. May God bless you all. Sincerely, John Zarbock

Martin Rodriguez | 6:09 a.m. Feb. 16, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during these challenging moments...

Comments continue below

not dead--just new address | 7:21 a.m. Feb. 16, 2009

Seeing this article, I could name right off several things I learned from Bro. Ludlow. Hope his family knows we appreciate getting to share him.

Elder Holbrook | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 16, 2009

I served under President Ludlow in the office of the greatest mission on earth, the APM. He impacted my life by sharing his profound gospel knowledge and testimony with his missionaries and the Saints in Western Australia. I will be eternally grateful for his influence and guidance that still touches my life today. Some who served with him have been communicating recently about having a mission reunion this fall but we'll have to wait to see with him.

My love and condolences go out to Sister Ludlow and family.

Jonathan Holbrook
Auberry, CA

Ed Clinch | 9:27 a.m. Feb. 16, 2009

Very well accomplished academically, and it seems he had all the character makings of a spiritual servant of God.

Rare combination.

I have benefitted from his publishings in LDS studies and abroad in Israel. Perhaps his biggest impact was as a priesthood leader and father (inseparable callings).

I am very grateful to the magnanimous legacy of this good man.

Brian | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 16, 2009

He was the kind of person that you want to live next door to. A good, kind, and generous man.

Bro. Ludlow | 12:08 p.m. Feb. 16, 2009

I am thankful for the efforts of this man whose writings helped me understand the gospel.

Garn LeBaron | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 16, 2009

Greatest brother ever

Asaph | 4:37 p.m. Feb. 16, 2009

Another one of the old, good GA's taken home......

Stephen Attwood | 4:37 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

My thoughts and condolences to Sister Ludlow and all the Ludlow family. I served with President Ludlow in the Australia Perth Mission and recently my wife and daughter had the privilege of visiting with him and Sis Ludlow at their home. He has had a profound influence on me and on many other Australians. His knowledge and testimony of the gospel was awe inspiring and he was so generous in sharing it with us. He will be greatly missed!

Ray Webb | 9:47 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

My memories of Brother Ludlow include his participation in father and son softball games, father and son campouts and service at the welfare farm and cannery. He lived what he taught especially when it meant removing his suit and wearing jeans with the boys. Best wishes to Sister Ludlow and their children, especially Victor and Sandy.

Ray Webb

Anonymous | 10:40 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I first met Dan Ludlow, when but a child. Our families were connected instantly. He was at IU, We've enjoyed knowing his entire family through the years. Sandy & I were best of friends at that time. Dan has influenced so many people throughout the world, it's impossible to know how far reaching his work and love has spread.
My father was his counselor in the Branch Presidency here, then later on, he was a counselor to my father. I remember when Victor got the Priesthood, and blessed the Sacrament for the first time. Many memories of those days.
Throughout the years, our families have kept in touch. When Carolyn moved to Bloomington, it was just another way we were able to keep in touch.
My birthday is on Valentine's Day. I told my mother that it was a good day to come into the world, and a good day to leave it. We know that Dan is on the other side, with my father, and other friends, continuing the work he was destined to do. We will miss him, but know we will be reunited later.
Written with love to the entire family.
Pat Brinson Doyle

David R. Rowberry | 1:54 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I have always appreciated the power, clarity and pure integrity with which Brother Ludlow taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was always well founded in the scriptures and the teachings of the modern day Prophets and Apostles. We will miss him on this side of the veil.

Our love to the Ludlow family,

David and Janis Rowberry

Elder Richard Sherriff | 2:09 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve in the APM with President Ludlow. His great example, testimony and gospel knowledge certainly had a profound influence on my life also. I am a better person and leader because of his enthusiastic, faithful and unselfish service. I was privileged to sit in scripture study sessions, lectures he held for members and investigators, conferences and meetings, where it was evident that he enjoyed the close companionship of the Holy Ghost, to the extent that he foretold of this day when there would be several stakes and a Temple in Western Australia. What a great example he was for us missionaries and members. I still smile when I remember his response to a typical Aussie "Gday mate" would be a sincere and cheerful "Greetings! How are things?" He will be fondly remembered forever as "President Ludlow" in our family. To Sister Ludlow and the family, my sincere respect and condolences, my love and best wishes. Amen to the previous comments and to the life of a genuinely good bloke.

Richard Sherriff
Sydney, Australia

Elder Spraktes | 2:23 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Perth Australia and all the missionaries that served with President Ludlow have been blessed beyond measure! I am so thankful that he was my missions President. His influence has been and is eternal.

Thank you Sister Ludlow for making us feel at home when we were so far away from home.

Bro. & Sis. James Mullen | 5:53 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

It is one of our lives greatest privileges to have known Pres. Ludlow. He came to Newman in North West Australia while I was branch president,to visit our branch of less than 10 members. At a meeting arranged at our home he spoke for about ninety minutes. One person who attended came to the fireside with a view to show us how wrong we were. At the conclusion of the meetimg the non member asked if he might be baptised that night. He soon received the discussions and went on to be a great branch president for many years in a North West town. All due to the wisdom and humility displayed by Pres. Ludlow.
I am humbly grateful to be visiting Provo at this time and to be able to express my appreciation to my Heavenly Father for blessing my life for the opportunity of learning and being a friend of a great mind, a great scholar and most of all a very humble friend who blessed the life of the Mullen family.
Till we meet again.

James & Sheila Mullen | 6:19 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I wish to express my express my appreciation at having known Pres.Ludlow. While serving as Branch Pres.in Newman in North Western Australia Pres. Ludlow chose to visit our branch of less tham 10 members. A fireside was held at our home at which a non member attended with the view of disproving our beliefs.
At the conclusion of a very spiritual presentation by Pres. Ludlow the non member approached him to enquire if he might be baptised that night.
He soon received the discussions and went on to become a branch Pres.in a North West town for many years Such was the ability of this great man.
On his departure from our town he once again showed his humility when presented with a very simple token of our appreciation for his visit.
I am blessed to be visiting Provo at this time and to be able to express my respect and appreciation for the wisdom and humility taught to me by this great man. Another debt of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for allowing me this blessing.
Till we meet again

Richard Mangum | 8:15 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

My contact with Bro. Ludlow were via his children, mostly Victor and Sandy, and at some classes at BYU. It was his thoughtfulness and sweet spirit that blesses me most, for which I will be eternally grateful and blessed. Thank you, Brother Ludlow, for being that child of whom our Father in Heaven can be most proud. Your testimony and example have sustained me since I met you in 1960... and have never forgotten you nor your family and that sweet spirit of godliness I found in your home. It probably will not be long before I can thank you personally... as will thousands of those whom you have so righteously influenced throughout your life. God bless your family is the prayer of a humble Seminary Teacher in Nebraska!

Helen-George Papas | 11:32 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Luene, you and your family are in our prayers. Memories of times shared with you and Dan will be held close to our hearts always. May God's strength be with you.

Doug Potter | 4:45 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009

My condolences to Sister Ludlow and Family. President Ludlow was easily the smartest man I've ever met. His example, his leadership skills, his knowledge of the scripturees and his ability to impart it were legendary in W.A. His kind loving manner and his ability to 'teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves,'profoundly influenced many.
All who came in contact with the great man are better for the experience. My family and I have been greatly blessed through serving with him.
Top bloke, yes he was, and some. We don't have to guess where he is now.
Cheers,
Doug Potter,
Brisbane, Australia.

Cameron Vaughn | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Ludlow family. President Ludlow was a wonderful man and one whom I admired. I have cherrished my association with him both in the mission field and over the years as our paths crossed. One of the reasons I am a religious educator today is a result of being taught by this great man who instilled in me a desire to teach others. His teaching has blessed my life and the lives of countless others. God be with you til we meet again.
Cameron Vaughn
Orem, Utah

Delores DeLuca | 3:19 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

I am saddened to learn of Bro. Ludlow's passing. This is the loss of a great, intelligent, kind and faithful man.
Bro. Ludlow took the time in 1972 to give over the telephone in California, reassurance of doctrine to a Gopsel Doctrine Teacher, that his teaching were correct and in line with turths of the gospel; when two class members disputed the interputation of the manual.
His kindness and time were so very much appreciated.
His work on the scriptures and other books are rich blessings to us.
Sad at his passing, but grateful for his life.

John Tvedtnes | 9:12 a.m. Feb. 19, 2009

I have fond memories of Dan Ludlow, having spent a considerable amount of time with him in the BYU Jerusalem program, where we both taught, and working together with him in the Jerusalem Branch presidency. (I also served in that same presidency with Dan's son Victor.) I express my condolences to Luene and their children and other descendants.

Mark Steele | 1:47 p.m. Feb. 19, 2009

I had Book of Mormon and Mission prep classes from Br. Ludlow way back in 1969. He was a powerful force for good in my life, teaching me the value of a serious study of the Book of Mormon. My condolences to his family. God bless him.

David Lauritzen | 12:53 p.m. Feb. 21, 2009

I extend my condolences to Sister Ludlow and her family. I had the wonderful opportunity to go on the first BYU Semester Abroad program to Israel in 1968 with Brother Ludlow. It was a small group; there were only 20 students and Dr. Ludlow and his wife. We spent more than 5 months together and I consider Dr. Ludlow to be like a second father to me. I literally sat at his feet in many special places in the Holy Land and learned many historical, political, gospel and other things from him which I will always cherish. I will greatly miss Dr. Ludlow.

David Lauritzen

Cosette Kenney(Angelo) | 6:44 a.m. Feb. 22, 2009

I was privileged to have known the Ludlow family in Perth, Western Australia, when I served my mission. I am so sorry to hear of President Ludlow's passing and send my sincere love and condolences to Sister Ludlow and his family. He truly is an inspiring teacher and a wonderful mission president.
Till we meet again.

Gordon Woolley | 11:01 p.m. March 23, 2009

What a great loss, such a wonderfull Man has been taken from us. It was more than a pleasure to have served a mission under such a Mission president.
During the course of life you occasionaly meet a person who changes your life for ever, Pres Ludlow was one of these people.
I will be eternally grateful for having served my mission with such a loving Mission President.
My sincire condolences to the Ludlow family.

Janet (Ellzey) Sagaser | 5:21 p.m. April 5, 2009

I wish I had know earlier. I was saddened when I heard it at conference. My condolences to the entire Ludlow family. He was a great man. I learned a great deal about the gospel from him and his writings. I have fond memories of him in Israel and from Know Your Religion lectures.

Gary J. Hull | 2:35 a.m. April 11, 2009

I have only just learned of President Ludlow's passing. His was one of the profoundest impacts on my life as a missionary, gospel teacher and student. His help as my mission president and his instrumentality in my attending BYU changed my life forever. His writings helped me so much in understanding the relevance and value of the scriptures in my life. Sister Ludlow, my heart goes out to you and I thank you for sharing him with us all.

Sharon (Player) Wagner | 10:31 a.m. April 12, 2009

I just learned of Pres. Ludlow's passing in General Conference...my heart just stopped. His early morning religion classes in BYU Israel 1978 are the foundation of my testimony. My life completely turned around and I haven't looked back since. I felt so bad for all the directors because we kids were all so out of control.. I really hadn't had much religious training & would study my guts out & then get a D on his tests. Kathy & Shauna would cheer me up. Pres. Ludlow was compiling the encyclopedia of Mormonism at that time & when we'd go to their room to visit, piles & stacks of papers were everywhere. I have never known anyone like Pres. Ludlow. I'm so glad that he was a prolific writer so that we can still have access to his genius and deep spiritual insights.
My condolences to the family. with love, sharon

Sharon (Player) Wagner | 10:43 a.m. April 12, 2009

Sorry, I just had to add this memory to my note above. I remember Pres. Ludlow standing on the railroad tracks in front of the train in France (I think.) We were trying to make a tight connection and all of the students had not arrived yet. Here we were- none of us spoke french, we were scattered all about the RR station, kids running this way & that while Pres. Ludlow stood boldly in front of this gigantic train....he had his hands held high and refused to move until all of us student were aboard. The conductor was yelling at him to get off the tracks!! We all boarded safely and Pres. Ludlow could at last get off the tracks and into the train with us.

Marie Ganschow | 9:31 p.m. May 11, 2009

I am sorry to read of President Ludlow's passing. He made all the Austalian missionaries and church members proud to be associated with him. I remember that his fireside presentations woud fill the Stake Centers in Perth to capacity.

My father remembers listening to Brother Ludlow teaching at Brigham Young University. He said the lecture room would be full and people would be gathered in the hallway to listen to him speak.

We all were blessed by President Ludlow's scholarship and teaching.

Marie Ganschow (Australia Perth Mission 1982-1984)
Ocean Springs Mississippi

Peter Koloni. | 8:46 a.m. July 13, 2009

I remeber president Ludlow as if it were yesterday.
Being a new missionary,& ready to serve the Lord,in the apm mission the greatest mission of course,along with other keen missionaries,waited at the airport to be picked up.As president Ludlow stepped out of his vehicle & with the assistant's to the mission president,I knew that this good man was indeed a servant of the lord.
A fatherly figure,that cared enough for one & all who served along side him in the mission field.
Whilist in the vehicle travelling to the mission home,
i along with 4 other missionaries,quiet in the car then all of a sudden one of the elders panicked,
and said watch out president we're gonna crash.Little did the elder know that pres Ludlow was already familiar driving on the right side of the road in w,a you should've of heard pres Ludlow laugh
boy was it kool how pres had a wicked sense of humour.
Good man good heart good teacher, it was a previlage to have served under him as my mission President.
Australia Perth Mission (1982-1984)

Scott Jones | 9:32 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I was sorry to hear of President Ludlow's passing away. He was a great scholar and lecturer. He was always calm and in control.

I fondly remember one moment though where President Ludlow temporarily lost control and that was at the missionary farewell of Gordon Woolley where President was laughing so hard at one of Elder Woolley's observations that he literally fell out of his chair and was bracing himself with one hand on the floor. His skin turned bright red and offset against his snow white hair made quite a picture. It took him several minutes to regain his composure. I will never forget that moment.

There are many fine parts of the vineyard called Earth, but the Australia Permth Mission was definitely one of the finest and President Ludlow was part of that reason.

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