Elder Richard G. Scott dies; funeral plans announced

On September 22, 2015, Mormon Newsroom announced that Elder Richard G. Scott had passed away at the age of 86 “from causes incident to age, while surrounded by his family at his home in Salt Lake City.” The Church has since announced that his funeral will be on Monday, September 28, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. MDT.

Those who wish to attend the funeral will find more information at Mormon Newsroom. For those who wish to watch the broadcast and pay their respects via condolences or contributions, the Church released these helpful instructions:

“The funeral services will be broadcast live via MormonNewsroom.org, LDS.org (English, Spanish and Portuguese), KSL TV 5.2, BYUtv, BYUtv Global, KBYUtv Eleven, BYUtv International, Mormon Channel, Canal Mormón (Spanish) and on the Church satellite system. In addition, audio broadcasts will air on KSL radio, BYU Classical 89 and BYU Radio.

“There will be no public viewing, but expressions of sympathy can be posted on Elder Scott’s official Facebook page or emailed to [email protected].

“In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Church’s General Missionary Fund at give.lds.org/elderscott.”

Elder Richard G. Scott is Remembered and Honored

After Elder Scott’s passing, expressions of love and touching accounts of his life flooded the LDS Internet community. Here is a sampling of the best and most shared articles—

Deseret News

Deseret News shared a touching account of some of the last visitors Elder Scott saw before passing, including President Thomas S. Monson, President Russell M. Nelson, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Elder Scott’s son, Michael, arrived in Salt Lake from Houston in time to see his father one last time. He shared his emotions, saying he felt “more happiness than sadness, actually. My dad lived such a full, wonderful life, he did so much. The fact that he is reunited with my mom, it’s surprisingly positive and upbeat in our family,” Scott said. “We’ve had such a huge outpouring of support from people. It’s amazing how many people my dad touched, amazing — stories from all over the place.”

Deseret News also reported on how Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, paid tribute to Elder Scott on the Senate floor in Washington DC, saying: “…Elder Scott’s gentle voice invited all who had lost their way, who had given up hope, or had wandered far – to come home – home to the faith, family and community that would bring them real peace and lasting, genuine joy. Countless individuals around the world heard his invitation to come home and rightly felt that he was talking directly to them. Ever in search of the one who was lost Elder Scott’s words and witness of Jesus Christ served as the lower lights upon the shore to gently guide many a wanderer home…”

LDS Church News

LDS Church News published a touching account of how a double tragedy in Elder Scott’s life became a “pivotal moment” in his marriage and life. Richard and his young wife Jeanene lost their 2 1/2 year old little boy, who was Elder Scott’s namesake. The toddler, who had suffered chronic heart problems, died during surgery. Tragedy struck again 6 weeks later, when their newborn daughter lived only a few moments. “Instead of becoming bitter or down, they just seemed more committed and more faithful and more grateful,” their son Michael shared later.

Meridian Magazine

Scot Facer Proctor of Meridian Magazine shared a series of powerful quotes and his own personal feelings for the life and prophetic calling of Elder Scott. In the article, “Elder Richard G. Scott’s Voice Never Went Silent for Me,” Proctor wrote, “I’ve had a flood of memories since Elder Scott’s passing Tuesday. His voice was warm and father-like. He wanted to talk to the one, not just to the masses. Even in general conference he would make you feel like you were sitting in the living room with him and him alone. Sometimes his words would seem to melt the marrow of my bones.”

LDS Living

In the article, “3 Things We’ll Always Remember About Elder Scott,” Jake Healy discusses Elder Scott’s love and compassion; his focus on principles; and his relationship with Jeanene. “Elder Scott married his beloved wife, Jeanene, in 1953. Through their lives together, they shared a remarkably strong bond that Elder Scott became known for frequently addressing in his general conference talks—particularly following her death in 1995. He often reminisced on the peace and serenity of their marriage. ‘We have not had arguments in our home or unkind words between us,’ he said in a talk. ‘Now I realize that blessing . . . resulted from her willingness to give, to share, and to never think of herself.'”

For those of you who didn’t realize that Elder Scott was also an accomplished artist , check out LDS Living’s photo gallery of “The Artwork of Elder Scott.”

LDS.net

For those wishing to know more about Elder Scott’s early life, don’t miss LDS.net’s article, “The Quorum of the Twelve Before They Were Called: Richard G. Scott“, which begins:

“Richard G. Scott was not raised in a home that was active in the gospel. His father wasn’t a member of the Church, and his mother was inactive. However, his parents did instill good values and character in their children. Richard’s home teachers and ward leaders encouraged him to attend church. However, he admits that he sometimes did so reluctantly.

“But during his teenage and young adult years, Richard felt like there was something missing in his life. Even though he did well in school and participated in many activities, he felt alone. He did not realize that the emptiness was from the lack of gospel influence in his life until he served his mission.”

The Mission Geek

The Mission Geek, a popular blog about missionary experiences, shared an a article on 3 ways Elder Scott had changed a young man’s life. Bruce Peck begins this personal article with his own testimony of Elder Scott’s influence: “When I was 18, at the end of high school and I realized that I had my whole life ahead of me but I felt lost, dark and very depressed. I began to search for light in my life, I began to read the scriptures, pray and listen to conference like I never had before. One day in the midst of all of that I heard a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, and in it he says a line with such love and such compassion that it changed my world, he said, ‘Don’t give up what you want most in life for what you think you want now.'”

Quotes and Memes

For those who love to print off or share inspiring memes, Deseret News published a series of memes for 23 great quotes by Elder Scott.