Longtime apostle M. Russell Ballard was well known, well respected and well loved by government, religious, business and community leaders — both inside and outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Here are some reactions Monday to his death Sunday night.
“He’ll be remembered as a wonderful husband and a great father. This is where his highest priority was. He set a good example for us on that, even though he’d had many, many demands upon his time. His family always came first.”
— Church President Russell M. Nelson
“The church has always been ordered by offices, councils and kinship structures. He was instrumental in bringing back councils in a way that allowed women to have more of a voice in the church’s everyday operations and ultimately in its general councils.”
— Kathleen Flake, Head of Mormon studies at the University of Virginia
“[I] so admired the way … Ballard has treated his eternal companion, Barbara. In her advanced age and his advanced age, he has just been an exemplary husband. So thoughtful. And so gentle.”
— Fellow apostle Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the church’s governing First Presidency
[Read about the life, legacy, family and faith of businessman-turned-apostle M. Russell Ballard.]
“[His] life was a testament to his devoted service to the church and its members. … We are comforted knowing his legacy of service and love will continue to bless countless lives.”
— Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah
“M. Russell Ballard [was] a great leader, a spiritual giant and a dear friend. He kindly offered us wise personal counsel on our life choices. To him, we owe decades of our extraordinary journey through life.”
— Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah
“What struck me most was his deep sense of Latter-day Saint history and his concern for modern refugees, whose struggle he saw in the story of his ancestors. An extraordinary life.”
— McKay Coppins, writer at The Atlantic magazine and author of “Romney: A Reckoning.”
“President Ballard was kind, thoughtful, humble and often humorous in all our interactions. He demonstrated a commitment to family, faith and community.”
— Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville
“He spent a lifetime of service trying to make the world a better place for everyone. We are forever grateful for the goodness and light he brought to this world.”
— Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
“President Ballard lived a life of selfless, faithful service. His passing will be felt deeply.”
— Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah
“A man of unwavering integrity, President Ballard devoted his life to serving his faith and fellow man.”
— Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah
“[He was] an inspiration to our family and an example of Christlike, selfless, service.”
— Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert
“[Ballard’s] unwavering dedication to faith, family and service has left an indelible mark not only within the church but across communities worldwide. My father, Dee, spent significant time with [him] while they pursued degrees at [Brigham Young University]. The stories he told of [Ballard] have only made me appreciate his work more as the leader of our church.”
— Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah
“I join many Utahns and those around the world in mourning the one-of-a-kind individual who illustrated a strong and selfless commitment to his faith, our state and our community.”
— Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton
“What a legacy of leadership, kindness and consecration. We will miss President Ballard’s steady guidance for a generation.”
— General authority Seventy Clark Gilbert, commissioner of the Church Educational System
“On behalf of [Bishop] Oscar A. Solis, the Diocese of Salt Lake City extends our deepest condolences to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of Elder M. Russell Ballard. He was a man of integrity and a true friend of our Catholic bishops, many of our clergy and other leaders.”
— The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
“[Ballard] was a personal friend of mine for many years. He would take my call when I needed something, and he would call me to facilitate whatever he needed. He was always warm and friendly. I found him to be a person of integrity and faithful to his work who kept his promises. After he had his visit with Pope Francis, he stopped by [our diocesan offices] to tell me about it. He was very close to Bishop [John] Wester; he even flew down for the bishop’s installation in Santa Fe. To us, he was the face of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a pleasure it was to know him.”
— Monsignor Terrence Fitzgerald of Salt Lake City’s Catholic diocese
“[He] was a great man, a powerful witness, and an example to all. He once invited me to visit with him after becoming CEO of LHM to express his support and encouragement. I was one of thousands he kindly ministered to, and I will miss his leadership.”
— Steve Starks, chief executive officer at the Larry H. Miller Co. and former president of the Utah Jazz
“President Ballard ... was a dear friend who personally ministered to us over the years, sharing his love and support for our families, our well-being and our personal journeys. We will sincerely miss him.”
— Businesswoman/philanthropist Gail Miller and husband Kim Wilson
— Tribune editor Jeff Parrott and religion reporter Tamarra Kemsley contributed to this story.
