Joseph B. Wirthlin - In Memoriam

SALT LAKE CITY 2 December 2008 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night, age 91.

Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.

He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, December 5, at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Press Release LDS.org



In the year 2000, the Church released a DVD called Special Witnesses of Christ. The Twelve men in that DVD, were men I had come to love. I converted to the Gospel while those 12 men served. And now, more than a few have passed quietly on to something greater. Change is always difficult for me, and so I mourn the loss of another one of my "original" 12. For some reason, I always had a special affinity for Elder Wirthlin. Perhaps it was his unassuming demeanor. Or perhaps it was his gentle humility. Whatever the reason, I'm sure he will be missed by millions, and he will be missed by me.



From a conference address(Life's Lessons Learned 1997), he shares his simple yet powerful testimony:


President Gordon B. Hinckley has promised that "[Heavenly Father] will shower down blessings upon those who walk in obedience to His commandments."

I add my voice to his.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind. I testify that God is close at hand. He cares about us and loves us, His children. Prophets, seers, and revelators guide the progress of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. President Gordon B. Hinckley stands as a latter-day prophet to the Church and to the world.

I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means.

My dear brethren, may we set righteous goals and work to achieve them, do what is right, and reach out in love to those around us. This is my prayer and testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.



Respect,


Lamanite