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Carole Mikita ReportingPresident Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke at today's funeral for Elder Morgan Young. He was the missionary killed in Virginia last week.
President Hinckley told the Young family he had come to express love, respect, sympathy and kindness on behalf of the entire church. He also said, "The loss of a missionary is felt very deeply, although we do not always understand the will of God. Elder Young could not have been engaged in a more worthy cause."
Hundreds came to the church building in Bountiful to pay their respects -- family, friends and neighbors filled the chapel and overflow area. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also spoke. He told those attending the service that despite this tragedy, a mission is still the safest place for young Latter-day Saints.
Elder Young's grandfather said he remembers speaking with his grandson during his mission and will never forget his excitement.
Winslow Young, Elder Morgan Young's Grandfather: "My goodness, he was just bubbling over with enthusiasm. It was wonderful. I think that's gonna be the hardest part, is just knowing that we're not gonna see him for a while, but we will, we will."
Elder Young was surrounded by family and friends at a private graveside service and buried at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. His missionary companion, Elder Joshua Heidbrink, who was injured in last week's shooting, and his parents traveled from Greeley, Colorado to be with the Young family and also express their condolences.
Elder Young's sister and brother are both planning to serve missions soon.
