The death of President Howard W. Hunter brings to a close the life of one of the most Christlike men the Church has known.

During his apostolic ministry stretching over nearly 36 years, he literally wore out his life in teaching and testifying as a special witness of the Lord. He traveled throughout the Church, even when his health condition made such travel inconvenient for him, meeting with the Saints and blessing them with his wisdom and counsel. President Hunter enjoyed mingling with the members, shaking their hands, speaking with the children, and magnanimously treating all with whom he met. He had an engaging smile and eyes that were kind, inviting all who met him to become his friend.President Hunter was preserved to lead the Church. Schooled, groomed and polished by the Lord for this sacred and holy calling, he felt heavily the responsibility which was his. He loved his counselors and his brethren of the Quorum of the Twelve, with whom he had served for so many years.

He was a leader who measured matters deliberately. He reflected frequently on his years as a bishop and stake president, and made an effort to remember the lay members in all of his decisions. He would constantly repeat that "there are no finer people in the world than the members of the Church. They are so good to me." He was overwhelmed at the love shown to him wherever he met with the Saints.

President Hunter was a private and modest man who never sought the limelight. Until his call as president of the Church, he served quietly behind the scenes, not well known to the membership of the Church.

How quickly the members throughout the world responded to his kind invitations to live more Christlike lives and to make the temple the symbol of their membership. His sermons were always given in a spirit of entreatment, never demanding or overbearing, yet powerful and rich in meaning.

In his personal life, he personified his own teachings. His constant desire was the welfare of those around him, with no thought for himself. He was not a man of many words privately, but always measured his remarks carefully, with a resultant response that was full of wisdom. When he met with his brethren, he was always willing to allow a full discussion of the issue before the body, and would generally reserve his comments until all others had spoken. Then, with the training of the law as his background, he would summarize the discussion and render his inspired judgment. All came to appreciate his wisdom in such circumstances.

No stranger to adversity, President Hunter exemplified the courage of Job in meeting the challenges that beset him.

He lost an infant son to death, nursed his first wife for many years while she suffered from a debilitating disease, suffered over an extended period from a number of his own health concerns, including loss of the use of his legs, from which he recovered to some degree through sheer will power and personal effort. Painful cancer was his to bear as he neared the end of his ministry. He never allowed these setbacks to waver his faith.

He counseled, "Prophets and apostles of the Church have faced . . . personal difficulties. I acknowledge that I have faced a few. . . . When these experiences humble us and refine us and teach us and bless us, they can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to make us better people, to make us more grateful and more loving, more considerate of other people in their own times of difficulty." (CES Fireside, Brigham Young University, Feb. 7, 1993).

There were few members of the Church who could not somehow relate to President Hunter, regardless of their personal circumstance.

He was a student of the life of the Savior. He was perhaps the most widely traveled of the General Authorities to the Holy Land. He loved visiting the sites where the Savior walked and taught, and felt a particular affection for the Garden Tomb, where he would often stay and meditate. He became an expert in Middle Eastern affairs and endeared himself to public officials and leaders of the major religions of that region, who came to respect him for his wit, knowledge, fairness and integrity.

When the permit to allow construction of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies was being considered, President Hunter was the main Church spokesman, under direction of the First Presidency, in advising civic and religious leaders of the intent of the Church and Brigham Young University to follow the laws and sensitivities regarding proselytizing. Former Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek said, "He understood (our situation) perfectly. (The Church) kept its promises in a quiet way. If you meet (President Hunter) you can't not trust him. It's as simple as all that."

President Hunter was a devoted servant of the Lord he loved. At the time of his call, he said, "I am honored beyond expression to be called for a season to be an instrument in his hands to preside over his Church. I pledge my life, my strength, and the full measure of my soul to serving him." (Ensign, November 1994, pages 7, 9.)

As that season comes to a glorious close, we remember with fondness his example before the Church of living as the Master taught.