LDS president, Thomas S. Monson, passed away at his home in Salt Lake City Tuesday night, according to the church. He was 90 years old.
President Monson was the 16th president of the church. He's been serving as the LDS leader since February, 2008.
President Monson was born in Salt Lake City in 1927. He served in the US Navy near the end of WWII, and became a bishop at the age of 22.
He died 'peacefully in his home, surrounded by family,' according to the church.
According to the church, he was asked how he'd like to be remembered back in 1997. "The Church News asked President Monson how he would like to be remembered. He replied with a brief phrase that aptly captured the essence of his life: 'I tried my best.'"
Somel local officials released statements on Monson's passing:
Gov. Butch Otter.
The First Lady and I send our condolences to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho and worldwide on the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Sen. Mike Crapo.
“Today I join those of the LDS faith and others who mourn the passing of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. He was a great leader, a kind man who spent more than half a century in service to others through his responsibilities in the Church. His focus was ‘the one’, and he shared that love and kindness whenever he spoke. He was a man of humility, energy, action and intelligence, and those who came in contact with him never forgot it. His was a life to celebrate, and he has left a wonderful legacy of example and service.”
Sen. Jim Risch
"Vicki and I offer our sincere condolences to the family of President Thomas S. Monson. We join millions of people around the world in mourning his passing. President Monson was one of a kind; he had a true passion for serving others and helped so many people throughout his life. He will forever be remembered for his servant leadership and dedication to ministering to those in need."
Rep. Raul Labrador.
“I am saddened by the news of President Monson’s death. He had a servant’s heart and always walked through life looking for ways to help others. His humility and love for every person and his focus on the individual is an example to people of every faith. I hope that his passing will inspire all of us to reach out to those who would benefit from an encouraging word or an act of kindness.
“While I will miss President Monson, I am sure he had a happy reunion with his wife, Frances. The world would be a better place if all of us were a little bit more like Thomas S. Monson.”
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