NewsLocal News

Actions

LDS church members, political leaders remember Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Posted at 7:33 AM, Jan 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-03 19:37:07-05

SALT LAKE CITY - President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day, Thomas S. Monson, has died. He was 90.

Members of the LDS church are remembering Monson and his legacy.

LDS Church President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (They served as first and second counselors to President Thomas S. Monson.): "President Thomas S. Monson was a mighty prophet of God, and we are honored to have served by his side these past 10 years. His far-reaching and multi-faceted ministry touched the lives of people from all walks of life in remarkable ways. As a result, President Monson’s legacy will continue to be an influence for good in the lives of countless individuals and families for generations to come. To his family, we extend our most sincere condolences and love."

President Donald Trump: "Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion. Considered a prophet by the nearly 16 million members of the LDS Church, his message was one of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with his three children and the rest of the Monson family."

Sen. Orrin Hatch: "President Monson was among the greatest men I have ever known. Service was his motto and humility his hallmark. Countless were the lives he touched as a prophet, father, and friend. Today, I join millions across the globe in mourning his passing." 

Sen. Mike Lee“President Thomas S Monson was a dedicated disciple who spent almost eight decades in the service of his fellow men and his God. He was a strong advocate for Christlike love and the principle of eternal families, and his years as prophet were marked by a massive expansion of the missionary system and the temple network. He led by example, and his messages of love, redemption, and optimism will continue to inspire and shape those he leaves behind, both in and outside the church. My thoughts and the prayers of many others are with him and his family today.”

Sen. Luz Escamilla: "A great loss, a man of service and love RIP President Monson."

Gov. Gary Herbert: "Jeanette and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of LDS Church President @ThomasSMonson. His life was a sermon of service. He cared about all people as children of God. His influence for good will be felt for years to come... As we celebrate President Thomas S. Monson’s remarkable life, let us remember his focus on the one -- his admonition to serve the individuals around us -- recognizing that even the smallest actions can lift lives and brighten our world."

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox"Like most of you, we are just waking up to this news. His life was a symphony of service and sacrifice—a legacy that will never be forgotten. God be with you till we met again."

Mayor Jackie Biskupski: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. Over the past few years, as Salt Lake City has dealt with critical issues, most notably homelessness, the LDS Church has responded with a high level of compassion and resolve set clearly by President Monson and his deep concern for those less fortunate. We have lost a dedicated partner to the Capital City and he will be missed. President Monson's values also guided the LDS Church, and set a high moral standard, as to how we will treat immigrants and refugees both inside and outside our borders. I believe his example has helped to ensure Salt Lake City and Utah will always be seen as welcoming places. My thoughts and prayers are with President Monson's family, and members of the LDS Church, as they grieve the loss of their family member and leader.”

Mayor Ben McAdams: "As a young child, I loved President Monson’s inspirational stories of service and love. As an adult, I admire and try to follow President Monson’s example of giving compassionate service and caring for others. He was never too busy to to {sic} give personal time and comfort to the people he served. He was a tremendous example for me of a leader who demonstrated Christlike love. His example of service to others inspired me to be more caring and compassionate. The influence of his life and legacy will long be felt."

Mitt Romney"Thomas S. Monson walked where Jesus walked, lifting the downtrodden, comforting the wounded, healing the sick, brightening the lives of the lonely at heart. More even than his words of strength and inspiration, he will be remembered for the abundance of his love and the overflowing of his compassion for every one of God’s children. Ann and I and our family join the widows and orphans and homeless and countless others who today mourn the life of a true prophet of God and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Rep. John Curtis: "Saddened to wake up to the news that @LDSchurch President Monson has passed away. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord and we are all better for his leadership."

Rep. Chris Stewart: "I’m saddened to hear of the passing of President Monson. He was truly a man who dedicated his life to God. His service and leadership blessed the lives of many."

Rep. Mia Love: "I give thanks for the life and example set by Pres. Thomas Monson. His tireless, charitable service, cheerful demeanor, love of others and ministry touched millions of lives. He provided inspiration for Latter-Day Saints throughout the world. God bless him and his family."

Rep. Patrice Arent: "Sad to hear the news of LDS President Monson's passing. May his memory be a blessing."

Attorney General Sean Reyes: "I love President Monson & will miss him. His life was a living illustration of individual ministry to the lonely & downtrodden. His example has always moved me to come to the rescue of those in need & to lift those who are weary."

Speaker Greg Hughes: "I was saddened to learn that President Thomas S Monson has passed away. While we mourn the loss of an exceptional man, we also honor his remarkable life that he dedicated to serving others. When he spoke, people all over Utah, the country, and the world listened. He truly understood that when you are in the service of your fellow man you are in the service of God. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during this time."

Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz: "My heart is filled with love for Pres. Monson. He touched countless lives, including my own, in a positive and sweet manner influencing good throughout the world."

Catholic Bishop of Salt Lake City Diocese Oscar A. Solis, D.D.: "On behalf of the Catholic community of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, I extend heartfelt
condolences to the family, members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, other leaders and faithful of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of President Monson. He joyfully served his church and the broader community selflessly and humbly for many years. The President has been a good friend and supporter in our mutual efforts to support the common good and care for the most vulnerable both at home and abroad. Catholic Community Services as well as the Good Samaritan Program have benefited from his commitment to the poor. For President Monson, the Sermon on the Mount was not just a platitude but a way of life. President Monson was an advocate of unity and believed in the goodness of each person. He embraced people regardless of faith, seeing in them the image of Jesus. His was a "human" touch of kindness and dignity that will long be treasured. We join in prayer with the LDS faithful at this difficult time."

Fox 13's Big Budah: "On July 14, 2008, I will never forget it because it’s my Dad’s and son’s birthdate, during the ceremony to make the then #UVSC into @uvulife I got to shake President Monson’s hand and he said to me, “Brother Teo?” I freaked out and thought to myself, 'Oh snap! He knows my name!' I thought, 'Dang it, he can see all my transgressions.' My encounter with him ended with him saying to me 'Keep up the good work of making people smile.'"

Marie Osmond: "#RIP to our dear #LDS prophet @ThomasSMonson. He has always been there for our family during special occasions and even in the most difficult of times. My heart mourns for his loved ones but it is a glorious day in heaven."

Merrill Osmond: "My prayers are with the family of our great prophet @ThomasSMonson who was always there for our family throughout the years and I thank him for his example to all.... RIP @ThomasSMonson....Heaven will be rejoicing today."

NAACP Salt Lake Branch President Jeanetta Williams: "President Monson was a very kind and caring individual and leaves a great legacy. He was aware of the respect of President Gordon B. Hinckley and President James E. Faust had toward me and my work as a Civil Rights Leader. He too would always ask how I was treated by the people in Utah." Williams said many of Pres. Monson's quotes will be remembered and one she will remember is, 'Never let a problem to be solved, become more important than a person to be loved.' "The NAACP sends our deepest condolences upon the passing of LDS President Thomas S. Monson."