Yesterday Nina and I drove down to Salt Lake City, met up with Heather and a couple of her kids, and went to the Conference Center for President Hinckley’s viewing. We joined the end of one of the lines going into the Center at 3:10 p.m. Heather had talked to some people who had been to the viewing earlier on Friday who said they got through the line in about an hour. An hour later, we were somewhat closer. We’d been ushered into the main auditorium to wait there for our turn to go upstairs to the Hall of the Prophets where the viewing was being held. Because the day was cold and windy, Guest Services were trying to get as many people as possible inside rather than standing outside in the wind. They filled up the balcony and took people upstairs section at a time while they filled the main floor. At 6:30 p.m. we made our way into the Hall of the Prophets to walk by his casket and out the doors back to the car. Everyone in our group agreed that it was worth it to show our respect to this great man.
The news later last night said that more than 60,000 people had attended the viewing and as of 10 p.m. people were still waiting for their turn. While Guest Services were well prepared, I’m certain they were overwhelmed with how many people wished to pay their respects. But, they didn’t turn anyone away and some of Guest Services people had a very, very long day yesterday, which didn’t end until well after midnight and then started again this morning well before 7 a.m.
The funeral is this morning at 11 a.m. and he’ll be buried in City Cemetery in a private ceremony. We do not make any kind of a fuss over the graves of past Presidents of the Church. The focus by tomorrow will have shifted to the new President who takes the helm at a time when the Church is more in the public eye than it has been in it’s entire previous history. There will be little time for mourning on his part. Fortunately, the next President will be a seasoned General Authority with decades of preparation for this position and the entire Church will immediately sustain him as he takes on the mantle of his office.
President Hinckly was a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. I had the opportunity to spend some personal time with him a number of years ago in Kirtland, Ohio. He was a kind, insightful, delightful person. He had a choice sense of humor. He knew that the Church was the True Church and was tireless in his service to the Lord and to the Church. He’s now united with his dear wife and continues his service on our behalf in the unseen world. I won’t say “Rest In Peace” because he certainly isn’t resting! Carry On, President Hinckley!