    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 28, 2008]
    [Pages 114-115]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Gordon B. Hinckley
    January 28, 2008

        Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death
    of our friend Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades
    in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated
    the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He was a tireless
    worker and a talented communicator who was respected in his community
    and beloved by his congregation. As president of his church, he traveled
    to more than 60 countries to spread a message of love and optimism to
    the millions of people around the world who shared his faith.
        A Mayflower descendent and the grandson of Mormon pioneers, Gordon
    was a deeply patriotic man. His leadership and service strengthened the
    board of trustees of Brigham Young University, the Boy Scouts of
    America, and the 2002 Winter Olympic games in Salt Lake City. In 2004, I
    was honored to present him with the Medal of Freedom, our Nation's
    highest civil award, in recognition of his lifelong public service.
        Laura and I will miss Gordon's friendship and
    wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his five children and the rest of the
    Hinckley family.

    Note: The statement referred to Kathleen Barnes Walker, Virginia Pearce,
    Jane Dudley, Richard Hinckley, and Clark Hinckley, children of Mr.
    Hinckley.

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