Interfaith leaders join church members in mourning President Russell M. Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY — Church members and other mourners remembered the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson on Sunday as a visionary who was also a kind and loving leader.

President Nelson passed away late Saturday after over seven and a half years leading Latter-day Saints.

“I just have so much love for him and so much gratitude for the loving, kind, thoughtful and just the smart way he went about everything,” said Eva Lu Hale ahead of the latest recording of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s Music & the Spoken Word Sunday morning.

Travis Dastrup said he felt close to President Nelson.

“It just feels like I’ve lost a loved one, a close friend,” Dastrup said during an interview with KSL TV. “He’s been a huge part of my life for years as a member of (the Quorum of) the Twelve and as a prophet of God.”

Others remembered President Nelson as a visionary who prioritized education — even learning and speaking 11 different languages.

“I really admire him as an academic as well as a religious leader,” said Bethanie Hansen. “I think it’s really stellar that he had both the qualifications as a professional and brought those into his religious leadership at the same time.”

Howard Summers admired President Nelson as highly intelligent.

“Most of the time people see just the minutia, and I felt like he saw the minutia and the big picture,” Summers said. “I also feel like he was full of love, which is the biggest compliment you could possibly give.”

While President Nelson will never be forgotten for his work as a heart surgeon, several people said he would be remembered always for how he handled matters of the heart.

“I think he had a tremendous love for people, and it was just so evident,” Tavia Smith said.

Stephanie Simper, an oboe player in the choir orchestra, turned emotional talking about President Nelson’s influence on her life.

“He’s had a huge impact on me, on my family, on the world,” Simper said. “I love President Nelson. He’ll be deeply missed.”

Interfaith leaders remember President Nelson

The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russel M. Nelson impacted countless lives across the globe, from those who are members of his faith, and those who are not.

Interfaith leaders across the Beehive State believe President Nelson was not only a good friend to them, but they recognize that even though they didn’t share the same faith, he was a man called of God.

Rabbi Sam Spector of Congregation Kol Ami will never forget having lunch with President Nelson.

“The way he talked and looked at me was as though he saw holiness in me,” Rabbi Spector said. “And that really meant a lot to me.”

Rabbi Spector asked President Nelson for advice as he struggled with criticism from his congregation.

“He gave me the simplest and yet most profound advice, which was, remember two things every morning when you wake up: Love your fellow person and love God,” Rabbi Spector said. “Those words have stuck with me and it’s advice I implement regularly.”

Reverend France Davis, pastor emeritus, of the Salt Lake City’s Calvary Baptist Church, remembers a time when President Nelson turned to him for help.

President Nelson was preparing his speech for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and asked Rev. Davis to help him write it.

“It was the first time ever, regardless of denominations that anybody had come to me and said, ‘Help, I need to make sure that I’m not saying anything that’s offensive, or inappropriate in the speech that I’m going to give,’” Rev. Davis said.

The speech was a historic first for a Latter-day Saints leader and president to give, and it started with connecting faith.

“I’ll remember President Nelson for his willingness to open the door by coming to me instead of inviting me to come to Him,” Rev. Davis said. “That was an open door and an opportunity that will always be remembered.”

Indra Neelameggham, a practicing Hindu, remembers attending an interfaith ceremony with President Nelson. When she shook his hand, Neelameggham said she expressed how much of an honor it was to meet him.

“And then he immediately said, ‘Yes, I recognize the Hindus believe in all faith leaders,’” said Neelameggham. “I was touched by the fact that he could recognize my background, and, you know, very graciously accepted my invitation to come over to our temple.”