SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson, the late leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was honored Tuesday as a man whose life exemplified decisive leadership, profound joy, and an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ.
Nelson, who died Sept. 27 at 101, was eulogized by four top church leaders and two of his children at his funeral in the Conference Center on Temple Square.
Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Nelson’s expected successor, who served as one of Nelson’s counselors, shared an anecdote illustrating the late prophet’s decisive leadership, which stemmed from his professional work as a renowned heart surgeon. In their first First Presidency meeting in 2018, when a question arose about who would write a magazine page, Nelson quickly interjected: “Is this really necessary? Let’s stop doing it.”
“That approach was repeated again and again,” President Oaks recounted, “as I saw President Nelson as the decision maker, rather than the wise and supportive member of the Quorum of the Twelve I had sat beside for 34 years. Figuratively speaking, I tightened my seatbelt a few more notches and said to myself, ‘Being a counselor in this First Presidency is going to be fun.’”
Elder Henry B. Eyring, who served alongside President Oaks, shared his admiration for Nelson’s care for other people and patients, including his own mother, who underwent nine surgeries while Dr. Nelson worked as a renowned heart surgeon.
Elder Eyring said, President Nelson had a genuine desire to seek counsel and hear the opinions of others.
“At times,” reflected Elder Eyring, “I believe President Nelson’s final decision about a given matter was influenced by the information provided by others. He sincerely sought for and received counsel. He received revelation from the inspiration of others.”
Nelson’s children offered heartfelt reflections, highlighting the pervasive joy in their family life, which they attributed to a shared focus on Jesus Christ.
Daughter Laurie N. Marsh said her daddy “always chose to be happy.” She offered a message of continuing encouragement from her late father.
“I will sorely miss the joy and light that my Dad’s physical presence has brought to my life,” Marsh said tearfully. “But, I know he has great faith in you and me and will always be cheering each and every one of us on.”
She emphasized the Nelson family motto, based on a scripture urging them to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.”
Son Russell M. Nelson Jr. described his father being “constant and consistent in his devotion to God, family and others.” He spoke of the power of the name they share, inviting all church members to similarly honor the name of Jesus Christ.
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson shared an instance of President Nelson’s personal ministry, noting his “gift of discernment.” She recalled a time when he “lovingly addressed my personal needs” that she hadn’t shared, responding to her whispered thank you with: “He knows. He loves you. So do I.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said President Nelson was “the man for whom the word gentleman was created.” He reflected on the privilege of accompanying the prophet on his first ministry trip around the world as Church president in 2018.
“No matter how tired he was on any trip,” recalled Elder Holland, “President Nelson was always perfectly groomed and carefully attired, as he stepped off the plane. Casting that patented Nelson smile on those he met and two whom he spoke.”
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided the music for the service, including the hymn “Our Prayer to Thee,” which President Nelson wrote. His successor is expected to be formally announced shortly after the funeral, adhering to church protocol.