So, I’m sure that many of those who read this blog already heard that Pres. Hinckley passed away last night.  For me this is the third prophet I can remember passing away.  I was six when President Benson was called to be the prophet.  He led the church for most of my young years (almost 10 years), Then President Hunter led for a the first couple of my high school years. 

It was, however, President Hinckley who was prophet for most of high school.  It was he who issued me a call to serve the wonderful people of Germany for two years.  It was he who led this church when I got home from my mission.  It was he who my wife and I listened to in our early years of marriage for guidance and inspiration from the Lord.  And it was he who we listened tas we began having children and all these past years.

How grateful I am for a man that was willing to literally give his life in service to the Lord.  He is such an amazing example of optimism in a deteriorating world.  And to me, a man who kept his covenants, no matter what.  Giving his all to God and the building of his kingdom on the earth.

It just bring a smile to my face to think about him reunited with his beloved wife again.  He lived a great life with her and it was clear to everyone in the church how much he loved her and missed her after she was gone.  In my mind, he will always be remember for famously saying he can’t ever remember having a disagreement with his wife.

In the MTC they have pictures of all the prophets in the context of what service they provided to the world and the church during their earthly ministries.  I have no doubt that one of the things the President Hinckley will be remembered for his focus on the family and focus on temple work.  Soon after he became prophet we received the Proclamation On The Family.  Then in ’99 was the push to have 100 temples by 2000 and the introduction of the mini temple.  Our temple here in Raleigh is one of those mini temples.  Were it not for his outside the box thinking, we would still be driving 4 1/2 hours to the Washington D.C. Temple. 

From the tech side, we lose a great proponent of technology.  I believe it was he who led the charge to create video temple sessions.  I believe it was also he who started all these video campaigns we see on TV now a days.  Under his direction I’m sure the church tech guys have grown many many fold.  The church website alone has come a long way.   I just looked and it was while he was prophet that we first got a church website…

Thank you President for all you taught me and will continue to teach me.  You have left a legacy that has affected millions.  God be with you till we meet again President Hinckley.