HIGHLAND -- Those who knew Bradly Savage, a champion diver who carried a trademark twinkle in his eye, recall him as a man who believed that a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
Elder Savage, 20, was one of the four missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who died in a fiery car crash last Friday in Iowa. He was buried Thursday."What a son," said his mother, Keri Savage, who spoke through laughter and tears about her son's jovial demeanor, fierce dedication and warm spirit. "He was never short on hugs. He loved everyone."
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS Church, consoled the hundreds who gathered at a Highland church Thursday to grieve the passing of the handsome, playful son, brother, uncle and friend.
"I want everyone here to doubt not the will of the Lord," President Monson said. "If you walk in faith you will have a smiling face when you go forth to meet with him again."
President Monson, who also delivered a letter of condolence from the First Presidency to Elder Savage's family, said at the memorial that mourning the death of a loved one is natural.
"I say go ahead," he said. "That's how we are made."
However, after a time for sadness, President Monson said, family and friends should find comfort in their beliefs -- that Savage has moved on to a higher calling.
Missionaries who die in the field of service, President Monson said, recalling the words of previous church leaders, continue their work in the hereafter.
"He was chosen for that transfer," President Monson said, adding that the deaths of the four men has touched the hearts of people worldwide, church members and nonmembers alike.
"We know more than the world knows about the eternal nature of the spirit," President Monson said. "We know your son is in the Lord's hands . . . This is a farewell, just like the joy we felt on his official (mission) farewell."
Savage's companion, Elder Daniel B. Roundy, Kaysville; and Elder Jaysen Ray Christiansen, 20, Harrisville, and Elder Jared Mont Pulham, 20, of Alpine, were also killed in the two-car collision.
A 90-year-old Iowa man also died in the accident.
Respective funeral services for Roundy, Christiansen and Pulham were held at Friday in Kaysville, Harrisville and Alpine.
The Pulham family has requested no media coverage of the service. The Deseret News is respecting those wishes.