Mormon Church President Dies at 97
By JENNIFER DOBNER

Associated Press Writer

10:43 PM CST, January 27, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY

Gordon B. Hinckley, the longest-serving president of the Mormon church who
presided over one of the greatest periods of expansion in its history, died
Sunday, a church spokesman said. He was 97.

Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, died because of complications from age and was surrounded by his
family.

"His life was a true testament of service, and he had an abiding love for
others," said U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican and fellow Mormon.
"His wit, wisdom, and exemplary leadership will be missed by not only
members of our faith, but by people of all faiths throughout the world."

Hinckley had been diagnosed with diabetes and was hospitalized in January
2006 for the removal of a cancerous growth in his large intestine. In April
2006, he told a church conference he was in the "sunset of my life" and
"totally in the hands of the Lord."

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