Within minutes of the announcement that LDS President Howard W. Hunter had died Friday, national news services flashed the report around the world and tributes started pouring in.
President Hunter was remembered lovingly for his courage, grace and leadership.Some of the first reactions that arrived by the paper's deadline came from:
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah: "This is a true tragedy to all of us who are members of the church. He was one of finest, kindest, sweetest friends that we all knew.
"I just wish Sister Hunter the very best and want her to know all of our prayers, faith and compassion are with her.
"We know this great man has finally been released from a world of pain and suffering that he lived with and bore well. I will personally miss him. He was my friend."
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah: "All those who attended the last session of general conference felt the incredible warmth and spirit of this man. The spontaneous outpouring of love and support that filled the Tabernacle when he entered was tangible and overwhelming. The occasion left an indelible memory on my mind, and I feel richly blessed to have been able to experience it.
"Although his tenure as president of the church was brief, by summoning us back to the ideals of Christ's life and the sacred covenants of the temple, he has left a powerful and enduring legacy.
"Joyce joins me in sending our warmest wishes to his family and in celebrating the life of this dear man."
Rep. Enid Waldholtz, R-Utah: "President Hunter will be remembered for a lot of things but particularly his courage and grace in the face of great personal adversity and pain. He continued to reach out to others when it was difficult to do so.
"He was a great example for all of us to keep other people in mind even when it is not easy. I express my condolences to his family. They should take great solace on the effect he had on many people's lives."
Gov. Mike Leavitt: "Though his service as prophet and leader of the LDS Church was brief, it is his lifetime example that will stand forever as a testament of compassion and service to others. He will be missed and lovingly re-mem-ber-ed."
Mel Brown, speaker of the Utah House of Representatives: "I had an opportunity during my church service to personally get to know President Hunter. I'm deeply saddened at his passing. His tremendous intellect and capacity were well known. His contribution to his profession, his state and his church is nearly unparalleled. I'm very sad to hear this. The sympathy of the members of the Utah House and Legislature as a whole go out to his family and members of his church."
Deedee Corradini, mayor of Salt Lake City: "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of President Howard W. Hunter. During his presidency I have had the privilege of working with him and his counselors on several projects and have also had occasion to visit (with him) on issues of moral concern.
"President Hunter was a caring and compassionate leader who had a profound impact on the entire community. His quiet strength and dignity touched me deeply and I will miss him.
"My husband and I express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Hunter and to all members of the LDS Church who have lost a spiritual leader."
Rex Lee, president, Brigham Young University, Provo: "I have been privileged to know President Hunter for 40 years. His two sons are among my closest friends, and through that relationship, I developed a friendship with him. Few men in my life have exemplified the Christ-like qualities of this great man. With 9 million members of the church and others throughout the world, I grieve and offer my condolences to the family."
George Emert, president, Utah State University: "I was greatly saddened to learn of President Hunter's death. Although his tenure as president of the LDS Church was relatively short, he had a profound impact on people of good will everywhere. President Hunter's emphasis on following the example of Jesus Christ in our daily lives is a message sorely needed in today's troubled world. He will be greatly missed."
Paul H. Thompson, president, Weber State University: "President Hunter's death is a tremendous loss to the people of Utah and to church members around the world. Though his presidency has been relatively brief, he has been an inspiring and exceptional leader for many years and will be greatly missed."
Arthur K. Smith, president, University of Utah: "The values taught by President Hunter have great meaning to all of us. His lifelong example of kindness and love and his commitment to education have touched the lives of our community, state, nation and indeed the world. The University of Utah family will miss him."
George H. Niederauer, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City: On behalf of Utah's Catholic community, I offer heartfelt sympathy to the members of the First Presidency and to Latter-day Saints on the death of their beloved president - Howard W. Hunter. At this time of loss we hold them and his family in our hearts and prayers. In his quiet and gentle way, President Hunter served his church and this commnunity with single-hearted dedication and devotion."
George E. Bates, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, sends his deepest sympathy to the faithful of the LDS Church, and especially to the family of President Hunter, whom Bates described as "a man of kindness and sincerity who demonstrated great courage" in facing the illness that took his life.
"We do not mourn for President Hunter, for we are assured by scripture that he has heard the voice of the Lord Jesus, saying, `Come you, blessed of my father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' "
Frederick Wenger, rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami: "Our entire community is saddened by the death of President Hunter. He was a good friend to the Utah Jewish community over many years. On a personal basis, he was a good friend to my wife and myself. We will miss him dearly."
The Rev. Dean Panagos of the Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City: "We express our condolences to the church and their faithful over the loss of their leader."
Fred Ball, president of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: "He was a very good friend of the business community, has always been supportive of controlled growth. He was particularly interested in development of downtown Salt Lake. Since this is the world headquarters of the Mormon Church, he was always interested in the beautification and development of the downtown. He talked to the chamber about that frequently."
Jay Horrocks, president and chief executive officer of Beneficial Life Insurance Co.: "President Hunter, as chairman of the board, was a great man filled with kindness and love. He was a tireless man, and we will sorely miss him."
Horrocks expressed confidence in the structure and ownership of the company and said it will be a function of the stockholders to elect a new chairman.
William T. Huston, chairman of the board, Watson Land Co., Carson, Calif.: "I am very distressed to hear of his passing because he was a vital member of the company's board, having served for 50 years. I have known him personally for 35 years and found him to be a person of great strength and character and interested in all aspects of life.
"The company is one branch of the Dominguez family that received a land grant in 1784 and has continued in the family since that time. President Hunter was vitally interested in the company because of the historical connection. He had a very nice personality and someone who always was extremely gracious and interested in others."