President Gordon Bitner Hinckley
“Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, dies at 97
SALT LAKE CITY 27 January 2008 President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.
President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.
The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from cause’s incident to age. Member of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.
This is off of the churches general website.
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley has passed away
January 27th, 2008 @ 8:00pm
(KSL News) Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced this evening that Church President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed away.
He passed away at his home about 7 o’clock this evening with his family was at his side. President Hinckley was 97 years old. He was the 15th president of the Church.
Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910; he graduated from the University of Utah and served a mission to Great Britain. After he returned, he embarked on a lifetime of service for the Church.
He was employed as the executive secretary of the Church Radio, Publicity, and Literature committee, before he was called to be an Apostle in 1961.
He was later called to serve as a counselor to President Kimball, President Benson and President Hunter.
Since becoming Church President on Mar. 12, 1995, he has directed the most intense temple building program in the history of the Church in an effort to extend temple blessings to more members.
He has exhibited vitality and energy as he has traveled about the world meeting and speaking to members of the Church.
Through television interviews and national press publications, he has increased media attention and improved the public image of the Church. He has counseled Church members to fellowship new converts, befriend members of other faiths, live exemplary lives, and avoid the evils of the world.”
What an ordinary Sabbath day, ending in such an extraordinary way. I loved President Hinckley almost like no other man on the face of the earth. He was such a powerful leader and prophet, and this was so unexpected. I had wondered when this day would come, but even knowing that I was so surprised. He was a wonderful man.