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Marc Giauque and Richard Piatt reportingThere is an outpouring of grief and sympathy from religious and government leaders across the nation.
There is a widespread sense of loss and emotion from people you usually see as composed and well-spoken. The reason is President Hinckley was someone who touched people personally.
Grief and condolences, coming from the White House, where the President and first lady say they're mourning the loss of a friend.
On Capitol Hill, personal comments from Utah's senators. Utah Sen. Robert Bennett said, "The mourning we have is mourning for ourselves. For the loss we have sustained for seeing this kind, kind and great man go on."
"He was a man who got along with leaders of other faiths. He was a man that taught us that we must respect everybody, and I must say, he stood for everything that was good, and I love him," said Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch.
At Utah's State Capitol, legislators in both the House and the Senate also took time to observe President Hinckley's memory. Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Tooele and Utah Counties, said, "I remember President Hinckley's kindness to me and my family at that time." Sen. John Valentine, president of the Senate, says, "He looked at me and said, ‘President, lead well, lead fairly, and lead with your heart.'"
Leaders of several faiths were eager to share memories of President Hinckley this day.
Bishop John Wester of the Salt Lake City Catholic Diocese wrote "our esteem for President Hinckley is profound."
Leaders of other faiths unanimously agree. Rabbi Benny Zippel said, "He was a true friend, a true supporter of Chabad's activities throughout Utah, and a great advocate."
Episcopal Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish said, "There was always that warmth. And it was more than tolerance; it was real mutual respect and affection."
Also late today, Gov. Huntsman made a statement about President Hinckley's passing. He said, "He had a very unique way of transcending the traditional barriers and borders that divide people. We're all much better off as a state today because of his life".
Of course, it's not just those in prominent positions that have fond memories of President Hinckley. But the number of lives he touched in his 97 years is impossible to list.
