Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Team Coverage The news of President Gordon B. Hinckley's death has come as somewhat of a surprise for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
All through Sunday evening on the sidewalk between Temple Square and President Hinckley's apartment, people have gathered to reflect upon what he's meant to them over the years. A group of about 20 people gathered to sing hymns to honor the church leader.
It seems as though people felt a personal connection with President Hinckley. One woman told Eyewitness News that whenever he spoke to the faithful, she felt that he was speaking to her personally.
We've certainly seen plenty of tears from people as they've reflected on this man they've lost. The flags at the Church Office Building were lowered to half-mast about 9:30 p.m.
"I just think that it's really sad that he passed away. But he's with his wife, so I'm happy that he's with his wife and that he died an honorable person," one woman said.
"He's the only president we've really known. He's been the president most of our lives. I'm 18, and so I'm really gonna miss him," a man said.
A lot of the people we spoke with at Temple Square just wanted to celebrate his life.
One man said he'd remember, "definitely his character, his love for everyone. The charity he showed towards all people as he traveled. You can see in his face the love in his eyes for the gospel and for everyone."
A woman said, "His countenance, the way he's always smiling, even though he's probably not doing to well. I just think he's probably pretty happy right now with his wife."
Another woman said, "He was a really cool guy. He was really funny. He'd always wave his cane around, and it was just fun."
A man said, "He was a great guy. You know, he's the only president we've ever really known. He's been president most of our lives; I'm 18, so you know, we're really gonna miss him. I come here sometimes at night. I know he lives right up there in that apartment, and I just sit there thinking, you know, he's inspired."
We also spoke with Dennis and Mary Lou Carter from Vermont. They are in Salt Lake City on vacation this weekend and consider it quite a coincidence that they would be here at the time the president of their church passed away.
"President Hinckley was a very, very special man to me, and I think I'm still in shock from hearing news. It was a coincidence that we were here at the time. I just couldn't believe it when I saw it," Mary Lou Carter said.
A lot of people also talked about the charisma that President Hinckley had and how when he spoke, you couldn't get that voice out of your mind.
People gathered at Temple Square as the news filters out.
