Passing of President Hinckley

President Hinckley became prophet when I was just 15, and so he was the example through the more trying times of my youth and a pillar in my life since. I'm sure many share similar feelings of respect and admiration for a man who so humbly, so reverently, so firmly led and taught all those around him. I know I will miss him this coming April...I always looked forward to hearing from President Hinckley during conference; and loved reading about his life in books, news and magazine articles as he touched the lives around him. I'm sure while we all mourn him here on earth there is a joyous reunion on the other side with his wife and other family members. President Hinckley will be missed.

The official news release:
Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Dies at 97
SALT LAKE CITY 27 January 2008 President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97. President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995. The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from causes incident to age. Members of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.