Legacy of Life award honors Pres. Uchtdorf
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Lauded for his efforts to build people "economically, socially and spiritually," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, received the 2011 Legacy of Life award on Thursday, April 7.
The Deseret Foundation's Heart and Lung Research Foundation, a fundraising arm of Intermountain Healthcare, presented President Uchtdorf with the award at a banquet held at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
The award, first created in 1991, is given to "eminent leaders with Utah ties for their contribution to the well-being of people everywhere," said award committee chair Frank Madsen.
President Uchtdorf said he is "deeply honored and humbled" to receive the award. He gave credit in his acceptance speech to the rest of the First Presidency, including past award recipient President Thomas S. Monson and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor, both of whom were in attendance.
"I am well aware that this award is not given because one lived as a child through World War II times, and made his path in a chosen profession, while serving in his church along the way," President Uchtdorf said. "Rather — and this is very important to me — this recognition is given to a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its First Presidency. They indeed deserve such an acknowledgment. They represent the giver of the widow's mite and the sacrifices of a multitude of dedicated members."
The banquet raises money annually for heart and lung research.
"The cardiovascular system, the heart — works with the lungs, the respiratory system — to ensure that all living cells receive a constant supply of oxygen," President Uchtdorf said. "The blood carries waste back to the lungs, where it is absorbed and exhaled. Isn't this an amazing and beautiful arrangement?"
Also honored at the event was Elizabeth H. Hammond, a physician and researcher at LDS Hospital and a University of Utah medical school professor. She was given the Legacy of Life Scientific Honoree Medallion for her work in cardiac and pulmonary research, pathology and electron microscopy.
President Uchtdorf worked for nearly 30 years as a pilot for Lufthansa, where he held various leadership positions, including head of the airline pilot school, director of in-flight services, and head of cockpit crews. He was vice president of flight operations and chief pilot when he was called to be a General Authority in 1994.
President Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet, have two children and six grandchildren.
