The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the passing of President Russell M. Nelson Saturday night. He recently celebrated his 101st birthday. He was the oldest president of the Church.
President Nelson served as the president of the Church since January 14, 2018. He previously served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since his call April 7, 1984.
During his tenure as the president of the Church, he announced more than 200 temples, visited 32 countries and territories, changed Sunday church services from three to two hours, introduced home-centered gospel learning and renewed an emphasis on using the full name of the Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prior to becoming an apostle for the Church, President Nelson worked as a heart surgeon. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah and was on the team that developed the artificial heart-lung machine.
He and his first wife, Dantzel, raised 10 children. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of his children, 57 grandchildren and more than 67 great-grandchildren.
Learn more about President Nelson’s life
While speaking to BYU-Idaho students in January 2015, then-Elder Nelson told them, “You faithful students here in BYU-Idaho can accomplish the impossible. You can help shape the destiny of the entire human family! You will be scattered like seeds in the wind to build up the Church in all parts of the world. As you know and apply the teachings of the Lord in your lives and in your work, you can change the world. You will become a precious part of His perennial pattern: the Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible!”
Funeral arrangements are in the works. BYU-Idaho Radio will broadcast the memorial service live.
BYU-Idaho Radio is also playing talks from President Nelson at the top of each hour throughout the week on KBYR 91.5 and 90.9 FM.