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Video: Top Mormon leaders, daughter remember Monson

 | Jan. 3, 2018, 5:54 p.m.
| Updated: 7:34 p.m.
(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson reads a talk in 1994 by President Ezra Taft Benson when Monson was serving as second counselor in the faithÕs First Presidency.

(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson reads a talk in 1994 by President Ezra Taft Benson when Monson was serving as second counselor in the faithÕs First Presidency.

Some of those closest to LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson remembered his warmth, love for his family, loyalty and friendship, along with his Christ-like service during his lifelong ministry.

In a series of video vignettes released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monson’s two top advisers, a daughter and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles praised the man who Mormons have considered a prophet since 2008.

In his tribute to Monson, President Henry B. Eyring, Monson’s first counselor in the governing First Presidency, spoke of his generous spirit to people the world over.

“The hallmark will be the individual concern, like the savior going out to the poor, the sick, whoever, and worldwide — the fact that [Monson] loved Samoa, he loved the saints in Germany, he loved all across the world, people. They loved him by the way, and they felt that. But I think that will be left — the idea of — I think it’s more than the individual; it’s all individuals.”

Second counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf admired Monson’s approachable, easygoing nature and innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

“He was a member of the church everyone could relate to, and everyone could feel comfortable in his presence. At the same time, when he walked with kings, with prime ministers, with presidents, with representatives of nations, it was the same way — they all felt that he was their friend.”

Monson’s daughter Ann Dibb referred to her father’s oft-quoted service to widows, a practice he developed when he was a 22-year-old bishop that lasted for the rest of his life.

“It wasn’t until recently I learned what a sacrifice or how much time that actually took with my father, visiting all those widows,” Dibb recalled. “Because it’s not as if you just show up at the door and hand over the gift. No, you’re invited in and you get to sit down and you share experiences and remembrances together. My father would listen to recitations, he’d look at pictures. And again, remember good memories. So it wasn’t just a quick visit that my father would make when he’d visit those widows. No, he did so, and he took time, and he always expressed love to them.”

Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland remembered Monson’s loyalty, optimism and zest for life.

“He has that larger than life, robust spirit. His spirit’s as big as his body. And it comes out and he’s just, you know, he’s always happy, he’s always upbeat. I can’t imagine a time that I’ve ever, ever known him to be down. He’s just robust.”