Comments on: Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Has Passed Away

By: Polly

Polly — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:13:29 +0000

Brother Wirthlin’s last talk at Conference in October of 2008 has sustained me recently. “Every Life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems the birds don’t sing and the bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result. The first thing is to learn to laugh. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable. The second thing is seek for the eternal. “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflections shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome.” He was speaking for us today. I will miss his wisdom, learned through a life of hard work and charitable service and sometimes sadness.

By: rjamesh

rjamesh — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:24:18 +0000

These comments have been a pleasure to read. As a University of Florida (1977) alumnus, the comments by Urban Meyer were funny. Maybe after Urbs brings us another title, he can take some time to get his questions (regarding the faith) answered!

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:20:48 +0000

Elder Wirthling was not the best public speaker however I always looked forward to reading his words in the Ensign because they seemed to be more powerful on paper than in person. I have often wondered, because of Elder Wirthlin, how many ancient prophets fell into the same dilemma. They might not have been great speakers in front of an audience but their words on paper penetrate the hearts of men.
In the end, Elder Wirthlin will be missed.

By: WMP

WMP — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:57:07 +0000

May the Lord be with President Monson at this time of great deliberation.

By: Travis

Travis — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:24:28 +0000

Elder Wirthlin wasn’t one of my favorite general authorities. Maybe it was the speaking style that others have mentioned. However, after his wife died, I noticed a tenderness and faith that I’m sure was always there, but I hadn’t bothered to notice before. I’ve finally matured in the past couple of years and I’ve been able to enjoy his talks more.
I was truly saddened to read of his passing. I’ve enjoyed the memories shared here. It makes me want to repent of my earlier foolishness and read some of his older talks with a renewed heart.

By: Marc

Marc — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:03:01 +0000

The SL Trib is re-running a great story on Elder Wirthlin and former Ute coach Urban Meyer. This made me laugh:

“Coming to Utah as University of Utah’s football coach in 2003, Urban Meyer knew his popes but nothing about Mormonism. So Meyer read all he could, and then attended the LDS Church’s April General Conference, where he posed questions to everyone. Meeting LDS apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin, Meyer thought he had finally found a real expert on the faith. ‘I wanted to talk about LDS history and those types of things,” the popular coach said this week. “All he wanted to talk about was Utah football.’”

By: john scherer

john scherer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:52:38 +0000

In 2005 Elder Wirthlin spoke at a regional Stake conference that was broadcast throughout Ohio. Among other things, he talked about having the faith to be able to make life changing decisions and the blessings that would follow. This was one of those ‘tender mercies’ for my family. We were visiting Ohio together that same weekend to determine if we should accept a job offer I had received and relocate there and had found our way to the local Stake center in time for this conference. Though my wife and I both felt it was right, moving there would involve leaving the place where we both grew up, where our families were and the ward which sheltered us as new members and we needed some sort of confirmation that this move was right. I was given a strong impression during his talk that the Lord was mindful of my family and would support us in this move. I will always remember Elder Wirthlin for serving my family as a vehicle for God’s grace at this time. Hopefully I can thank him in person one day.

By: Sheldon

Sheldon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:29:47 +0000

I fondly remember him leading a Ute football “pep rally.” He was wearing a Ute jersey and chanting, “what do we eat? cougar meat! how do we like it? rah rah rah!”

By: Peter LLC

Peter LLC — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:37:39 +0000

I got to see him in action in January 1997 when he created the Salzburg stake, about the closest I’ve come to an apostle in real life.

By: Jonovitch

Jonovitch — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:18:28 +0000

I accidentally called him Elder Haight to his face once. I was a teacher in the MTC at the time. I don’t know if I mis-remember his reaction, but I think he just muttered something and kept on walking down the hall. Luckily Elder Holland was in full stride right behind him and beamed at me with a wide grin as he shook my hand.

My dad pointed out to me a few years ago that Elder Wirthlin’s talks were some of his favorites, which I thought was silly, since his delivery wasn’t great. But he pointed out to me that if you read them, they have some of the best hidden gems in all of Conference. After that, I turned off my ears, and realized that my dad was right. Powerful stuff.

I’ll never forget his incredible talk that he finished with the literal support of Elder Nelson. One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed. An image of strength, by both men, unmatched by anything else I know of. What a great man.

Jon