As many who read my blog may already know (if nothing else because of proximity to me and this state of Utah), that President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away this evening (01/27/2008).  While I usually refrain from anything religious or centered around things non-technical (except for a few notable departures), I thought I would post this information as it's important to me.

Gordon B. Hinckley has been a fixture in my life for years.  For almost half of my years he has held the distinction of being the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the prophet to whom I most related.  As child I recall President Spencer W. Kimball with distinction, and Presidents Benson and Hunter through my adolescent years were instrumental in my upbringing.

President Hinckley was an amazing individual, having served the Lord and His Church his entire life.  I distinctly recall a time when we were at my grandparents house in Las Cruces, NM watching conference.  Pa, my grandfather, expressed his great respect and admiration for President Hinckley (then a counselor to President Benson).  It was then that I began really listening to him and trying to follow his counsel.  I grew to love the man and have great admiration for him.

He shared a unique and brilliant wit in his talks and his wisdom was unsurpassed.  He will be missed.  At the same time, I'm happy for him, as he led a wonderful life and has undoubtedly been reunited with his lovely bride beyond the veil.