[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 4 (Monday, February 4, 2008)]
[Pages 114-115]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.

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