BOISE, ID - Members of Idaho’s Congressional delegation as well as area faith leaders expressed sadness over the passing of Thomas Monson, the former President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Monson died late Tuesday evening in Salt Lake City.
In a statement, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo called Monson “ … a great leader, a kind man who spent more than half a century in service to others through his responsibilities in the Church. His focus was ‘the one’, and he shared that love and kindness whenever he spoke. He was a man of humility, energy, action and intelligence, and those who came in contact with him never forgot it. His was a life to celebrate, and he has left a wonderful legacy of example and service.”
Senator Jim Risch said, “President Monson was one of a kind; he had a true passion for serving others and helped so many people throughout his life. He will forever be remembered for his servant leadership and dedication to ministering to those in need."
Congressman Raul Labrador said Monson, “ ... had a servant’s heart and always walked through life looking for ways to help others. His humility and love for every person and his focus on the individual is an example to people of every faith. I hope that his passing will inspire all of us to reach out to those who would benefit from an encouraging word or an act of kindness.”
He added, “While I will miss President Monson, I am sure he had a happy reunion with his wife, Frances. The world would be a better place if all of us were a little bit more like Thomas S. Monson.”
Even an Idaho leader of the Hindu faith offered condolences.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that they were saddened by the passing of President Monson. Zed called Monson “a great humanitarian who collaborated with other religions/denominations worldwide on programs aimed at improving the human condition.”
He pointed out Monson was “embraced various humanitarian causes, reached out to the less fortunate, found time to visit the sick, valued transparency, lived a selfless life, and never shied away from acts of kindness and charity.
