Rexburg Temple goers react to President Monson’s Passing

The late Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President, Thomas S. Monson had a special connection to the Rexburg Temple.

It was ten years ago this month that President Gordon B. Hinckley died the week before the temple was scheduled to be dedicated. The dedication was pushed back to February 10th, 2008.

It was the first temple Thomas S. Monson dedicated as president of the church.

Wednesday, outside that temple, several temple goers shared some thoughts about his passing and their memories of his life.

“I’m grateful he doesn’t have to bear the adversities of old age anymore,” Ralph Baker said. ” I’m grateful that he’s moved on, but I’m also especially grateful for the character and example he’s been.”

“He’s been the prophet for most of my youth the past ten years and I just love his experiences of service, but I also feel a lot of peace,” Sabrina Sears said.

“The legacy he left was, in my opinion, taking something so large as the church and the human spirit and all the things that happen in this world and bringing it down to how can you individually affect one person. How can you as one person affect the life of somebody else,” Bret Pearce said.

“Such a kind man,” Tyler Peterson said. “I think kindness is underestimated in the world we live in. It’s such a wonderful thing when you come across it. He’s so charitable.”

“I can never remember a time President Monson wasn’t at the pulpit, ” Lynette Hendricks said. ” He’s been there my whole life, so I’ll miss him.”