President Clinton: "Hillary and I were saddened to learn of the death of Howard Hunter, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family. President Hunter provided great moral and spiritual leadership to all Mormons as well as the entire country. His message of the need for greater kindness, gentleness, tolerance and forgiveness is an important one for all of us."
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 community 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.
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."
Monsignor M. Francis Mannion, rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine of the Diocese of Salt Lake City: "Though the tenure of President Hunter was brief, and few beyond his immediate circle had the opportunity to get to know him well, the glimpses we had of him were of a gentle, caring and compassionate man. We offer our prayers and condolences to his colleagues, family and friends."
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 remembered."
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah: "My love goes out to Sister Hunter. She knew the man who was everything we think of as good, honest, compassionate, loving.
"He was a person who did not interject himself but looked for ways to include all of God's children.
"He reached out to all, as did Christ, to reconcile people to the gospel."
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."
Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah: "One of the legacies he will leave is his push on temple work. Even though he only served a short time, he really showed the importance of it."
Hansen added, "He was one of the really fine individuals. I always felt good being around him. I really liked him."
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."
Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah: "I am saddened by his death. It was not unexpected. We have known for some time of his illness. I am saddened by his passing. Everyone who knew him knew of his great strength and leadership. We have been blessed by the years that we have learned from him and been led by him."
Brent Overson, Salt Lake County Commission chairman: "He was a very loving, kind individual who everyone looked up to.
"We wish his family and the church the very best in this difficult time."
Les Moore, of the LDS Church's Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, of which President Hunter was the first president and board chairman, 1965-76: "The passing of President Hunter was particularly felt by the employees of the Polynesian Cultural Center and the people of Laie.
"I speak for myself and all our people in saying we loved and revered him for his unconditional love of the Polynesians and people of all cultures throughout the world. We remember his constant and unforgettable smile and his genuine interest in our growth and success. He was a true representative of our Savior, Jesus Christ."
"During his tenure as president and chairman, attendance grew so fast the center expanded to three times its original size, adding numerous new buildings and facilities by the time he was released. This was typical of President Hunter, for wherever he was involved there was also great growth.
"The philosophy and ethics he established in those early days of the center became the cornerstone of what we are today, a treasure created to share with the world the cultures, diversity and spirit of the nations of Polynesia.
Chase Peterson, former president, University of Utah: "President Hunter was many things. As an individual he was gracious, full of good humor and a reliable friend to me and so many others. As a church and community leader, he always stood tall and quietly on principle. As our prophet, his time was too brief but oh so warm and loving and compassionate. He is loved."
Lorenzo N. Hoopes, Oakland, Calif., former president of the Oakland Temple and a close acquaintance of President Hunter: "President Hunter has given us a direction we could well live by and that will be lasting for the rest of our lives. He provided wise advise on the importance of the temple, and his counsel has helped to make us a kinder, gentler people."
Richard Walker, Boy Scouts of America spokesman: "We were sad to hear the news. He was someone who made fundamental contributions. He was interested in all aspects of youth development and showed that in Scouting and in other areas of his life. He was a very good man. He was a builder, one of those guys who is constantly building to make our institutions better. You'll always miss somebody like that."
K. Hart Bullock, director of Mormon relationships for the Boy Scouts of America: "We were greatly saddened. We knew that it was expected, but it is still a great loss to the LDS Church, to Scouting and to the youth of America.
"In my personal contacts he was very kind and made time in the interest of the youth. He was concerned about their development and their well-being. The Boy Scouts of America will miss him very much."