Funeral services held for Mormon leader Richard G. Scott

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held funeral services for Elder Richard G. Scott, Monday afternoon in Salt Lake City. The 86-year-old member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church’s governing body, died last Tuesday of natural causes.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the services and spoke about his years of friendship with Elder Scott.

“Elder Scott watched over me when I was a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve,” said President Eyring. “He was for me, ever the good shepherd. He blessed me by letting me come to know and love his wonderful wife and family. We shared a love of painting. We worked together doing watercolors, he the teacher and I the student.”

Elder Scott’s son, Michael W. Scott spoke about his father’s childhood, saying he was not a typical Mormon boy. He also shared memories of traveling across the country during family vacations, noting how his father loved camping and the outdoors.

Fellow Quorum member, Elder D. Todd Christofferson shared his experiences serving as a missionary in Argentina, while Elder Scott was his Mission President.

“President Scott pled with us to resist even the appearance of evil and none of us doubted the purity of his life,” said Elder Christofferson. “Many have commented over the year about Elder Scott’s piercing gaze. They felt it in personal interviews and similar settings. Many felt it even through their television sets as he spoke in General Conferences. We missionaries knew that look well.”

Quorum President, Russell M. Nelson spoke about several trips the two made together to Central America and Africa. He said, Elder Scott was tireless in his energy and engaging with the people wherever they went.

Church President, Thomas S. Monson was the concluding speaker. He called Elder Scott an honorable man.

“Richard was blessed with an insightful mind, a keen intellect and a charitable spirit,” said President Monson. “I am certain that many here today are recipients of the tender and personal care always extended by our beloved Elder Scott.”

Elder Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanene, who passed away on May 15, 1995. He was well known to many members of the Church for the love he expressed for his wife. He is survived by seven children.

Elder Scott’s death leaves three vacancies in the Quorum, after Elder L. Tom Perry died May 30 and President Boyd K. Packer died July 3.

It is expected that the three vacancies will be filled Saturday morning during the Church’s semi-annual General Conference.

<hr /><p style=”text-align: center;”>[email protected]

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!