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Mormon 'Giant' Laid To Rest

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By JENNIFER DOBNER, The Associated Press

Published: February 3, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY - The president of the Mormon church was remembered Saturday as a "giant among men" who cared deeply for others and devoted his life to the work of his faith.

Thousands of people, including some who waited overnight, packed the conference center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, capping a week of mourning for Gordon B. Hinckley.

He died Sunday at age 97 after leading the church for nearly 13 years.

Thomas S. Monson, next in line to succeed Hinckley, described his friend as a "prophet to the people."

God sometimes places a "giant among men," Monson said. "President Hinckley was such a giant."

During Hinckley's presidency, which began in 1995, the church experienced unprecedented worldwide growth, expanding to 13 million members in 160 countries.

He established an education fund to help returned missionaries, increased the church's humanitarian work and built dozens of temples around the world.

Next week, the church will dedicate its 125th temple, in Rexburg, Idaho, one of more than 75 built under Hinckley's direction.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "My Redeemer Lives" to open the 90-minute service in the 21,000-seat downtown conference center.
Overflow seating was available in the Salt Lake Tabernacle and at least two other buildings. The service could be heard outdoors through speakers on Temple Square.

Hours before the funeral began, lines stretched out of the square, where free tickets were being distributed, and onto the sidewalk. Some people spent the night in freezing weather to get a pass, and volunteers distributed hot chocolate.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a Mormon, took time off the campaign trail to attend the funeral.

Politicians from Utah, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon attended, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, also a Mormon.

Hinckley will be buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery alongside his wife. His successor is expected to be named this week.

Friday, faithful Latter-day Saints came by the thousands - some standing in line for nearly three hours - to walk by Hinckley's open casket to pay their respects during two days of public mourning, which drew 57,443 people, according to the church.

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