LDS Church members react to death of President Russell M. Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Reactions continue to pour in following the death of President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. Nelson passed away at his home in Salt Lake City just after 10 p.m. Saturday night.

ABC4 spoke with LDS Church members at Temple Square about the passing of President Nelson following the airing of Music and The Spoken Word, and the impact he had on their lives.

“It was just a very beautiful experience,” said Tobin Hansen, who attended the program in person. “President Nelson did so much good for everyone and touched so many hearts.”

“It shouldn’t be a surprise he’s come to the end of his life,” said Suzi Smith, who is visiting from Arizona. “But it is a surprise. I thought he would go on forever.”

Conrad Spencer says President Nelson’s voice is one that is going to be greatly missed. “We will miss his voice as a voice of reason in a world that seems to get crazier all the time,” Spencer adds.

Spencer also says a talk given by President Nelson a couple of years ago on being peacemakers applies heavily today.

“Our role as those seeking to be disciples of Jesus Christ are to be peacemakers,” he says. “In everything we do and everyone that we interact with. And that really resonated in a world that seems to not want peace.”

ABC4 also spoke with Fr. John Evans of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City on the passing of President Nelson. Evans says President Nelson was a stable and strong leader for the LDS Church.

“When you have a leader that passes on, you look back on what they offered,” Evans said. “He certainly has been a bright light for many.