The following statement is from President Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust:
"Surely, the passing of Rex E. Lee is felt uppermost by the family members so dear to him, but it also is felt by those in the other elements of society, to which he contributed so much in a lifetime of service."His contributions to his chosen profession of the law are legion. He was a successful attorney, founding dean of the Brigham Young University Law School, and served the nation as U.S. Solicitor General.
"He was devoted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life and served in a variety of positions, culminating with a successful tenure as president of Brigham Young University.
"One of his greatest accomplishments in life was to exhibit a positive and enthusiastic outlook and tremendous courage in the face of extreme physical adversity. Beset for years with devastating medical challenges, he refused to sit back and complain. Rather, he fought on and continued to make valuable contributions in all facets of his life.
"Rex Lee will be sorely missed by all he personally touched and by society in general."