Letters and telegrams came to Church headquarters from around the world as news spread of the death of President Howard W. Hunter on March 3. Following are a few of the many messages of condolence sent to President Hunter's widow, Inis, and to President Hunter's counselors, President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson, and to members of the Council of the Twelve:

"Hillary and I were saddened to learn of the death of Howard Hunter, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family. President Hunter provided great moral and spiritual leadership to all Mormons as well as the entire country. His message of the need for greater kindness, gentleness, tolerance and forgiveness is an important one for all of us." - President Bill Clinton

(To Sister Inis Hunter): "Betty joins me in sending you our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. President Hunter has been a beacon to both young and old for many years. Under his leadership The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made enormous strides in a very short time.

"Betty and I extend our condolences to you and the family in this time of sorrow." - Gerald R. Ford, former President of the United States

(To President Hunter's counselors and members of the Council of the Twelve): "Dear Elders, It was with deep sorrow that we learned of President Hunter's passing. We mourn with you a great man, the head of your community and a true friend of Jerusalem. He will be greatly missed and his loss felt around the world.

"With our sincere condolences and prayers from Jerusalem." - Teddy Kolleck, former mayor of Jerusalem

"I was very sorry to learn from Mr. Asher Rahav that President Howard Hunter passed away. Mr. Hunter was a good friend to Israel and was known to have been a great admirer of Jerusalem. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences." - Ehud Olmert, mayor of Jerusalem

"I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of President Howard W. Hunter. May his soul rest in peace.

"I am confident that his noble mission, words and deeds will be always remembered by his followers and those true believers in God, justice and humanity." - Saleh Al-Juba, Secretary General of the Parliament of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

"On behalf of Utah's Catholic community, I offer heartfelt sympathy to the members of the First Presidency and to Latter-day Saints on the death of their beloved president, Howard W. Hunter. At this time of loss we hold them and his family in our hearts and prayers.

"In his quiet and gentle way, President Hunter served his church and this community with single-hearted dedication and devotion. His commitment to the young, elderly and most vulnerable of society was well recognized far beyond the borders of this state. His devotion to God, church and family, indeed his respect for the dignity of each person, underlined his generous service to others. Even in his recent illness he exemplified those values so essential for building a better world.

"May God grant peace to all who cherish the memory of President Hunter." - George H. Niederauer, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City