Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Ed Yeates reporting One of the endearing qualities of President Hinckley was his sense of humor. It was off the cuff, often subtle, but always appropriate. Tonight, Eyewitness News looks at the attribute that was so much an integral part of this leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Though we can never capture the full breadth of President Hinckley's charming wit in a small report like this one, we can give you a taste of what it was like.
A Scottish teacher once talked of the ultimate classroom exam for humor, sincerity, imagination and character, but where could you find an examiner who could test the formula? He's right! There's no formula. The mix is natural and spontaneous, and, in President Hinckley's case, charming-- even in the wearing years of age.
"When I look at so many young people here, I feel I'm the last leaf on a tree, with the wind blowing," President Hinckley said.
At one session of General Conference the Church leader said he and his wife were making note that the so-called "golden years" seemed to be laced with a little lead.
Retire in the face of a Church led by old men, as Mike Wallace suggested in an interview? "I would enjoy sitting in a rocker, swallowing prescriptions, and listening to soft music, and contemplating the universe, but that offers no challenge and makes no contribution," President Hinckley said.
On his trips around the world, President Hinckley never passed up a chance to soften a serious air with a breeze of humor, and it was always refreshing. To a translator he said, "I want you to give a good talk."
In introducing his wife in the custom of the culture he was visiting, he said, "This is my Babushka!"
Poking fun at himself or the situation he was in: That was President Hinckley's forte. It was a delightful part of his personality that made him, as some Church members say, the "people's president."
Join us for Eyewitness News at 6:30 to hear more of that humor, and from a professor who teaches a class on it.
