I realize that many of you are thinking these days about the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. I wanted to express my condolences, and let you know that my thoughts are with you all. And although I am no longer associated with the Church, I too will miss his gentle soul.In Salt Lake City, and across the state, flags and hearts are at half mast. Pres. Hinckley was beloved by members and non-members alike. He was a great leader, citizen, and advocate for our community. Among many other things, under his leadership he gave our community a beautiful new park and conference center in the heart of downtown.
Over the past few days in my treatment room I have had the unique experience of hearing stories from people who had been touched directly by his life. Most recently a mother whose son committed suicide came in and told me that after his passing, she was in a devastating depression. Her stake president at the time was Pres. Hinckley's son. She told a very personal (too personal to share) story about a dream, and a blessing from the prophet that had us both in tears.
One of the things that most impressed me was how he publicly mourned his wife after her passing. It was so obvious the love that they shared in life. It was truly touching to witness, and I'm sure he's doing a jig with her right now.
There have been many letters in the papers about his life. I'd like to share this one with you.
I am not a Latter-day Saint, but my heart goes out to the members who have lost their president, Gordon B. Hinckley. Here is an anecdote that I hope will bring some joy (as he would want) to everyone.
Several years ago I was waiting at the service counter of Sugarhouse Appliance for a washing machine part. A rather large man in a black suit and tie came through the door, followed by President Hinckley. President Hinckley came over to the counter with a washing machine hot/cold water valve and waited next to me. He explained to the clerk his problem and that he needed a new valve, which he was going to install himself. He did not have the model number, but the clerk was able to match his old valve.
President Hinckley paid for the part and left with his bodyguard.
I take pride in my ability to fix things, and I was singularly impressed with the whole event, especially that President Hinckley was also a fixer. This is a great tribute to the down-to-earth person he was.
Jim Gander
Salt Lake City
Finally, here is link to another article from the Deseret News: The life of President Gordon B. Hinckley
