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The Death of a Prophet
If ever a man of modern history left his world better for having lived in it, that man was David Oman McKay.
"Wherever he passed, men lifted their heads with more hope and courage. Wherever his voice was heard, there followed greater kindness among men, greater tolerance, greater love. Wherever his influence was felt, man and God became closer in purpose and action."
Thus did the Deseret News pay tribute to President David O. McKay in a special edition on January 19, 1970, the day following his death.
On January 18, 1970, the beloved prophet, seer, and revelator died peacefully at his Hotel Utah apartment of congestive heart failure. At his bedside were his sweetheart of 69 years, Emma Ray, and five of their six children.
As news spread around the world, hundreds of letters, telegrams, and other expressions of love and sympathy began arriving. Heads of nations and average citizens, Latter-day Saints and nonmembers alike, mourned the passing of a widely loved and respected leader. Special resolutions were passed in the Senate of the United States, as well as state legislature and other governmental bodies. All united in expressing their deepest feelings of sorrow at his passing, as well as in gratitude for the example, inspiration, strength, and influence of his life.
Beginning Tuesday afternoon, January 20, and continuing through Thursday morning, January 22, President McKay's body lay in state in the foyer of the Church Office Building. The bronze casket was surrounded by huge banks of beautiful floral tributes. Tens of thousands of mourners who included small children as well as elderly persons, civic leaders, and members of other faiths, came to pay their respects to the President of the Church. At times the line of mourners stretched three-deep completely around the block, despite occasional rain. Often, as the mourners reached the steps of the Church Office Building, the strains of "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" were heard, sung by young people who had, in many cases, never known another prophet in the Church.
On Thursday morning, January 22, the doors to the Church Office Building were closed while family members and general authorities paid their last respects. Then, at 11:30 a.m., the funeral procession, led by a police escort, moved slowly to Temple Square. The pallbearers-grandsons and great-grandsons of President McKay-followed the hearse. Behind them were members of the Council of the Twelve, who were honorary pallbearers.
In the Tabernacle, the funeral service at noon was conducted by Elder Hugh B. Brown, first counselor to President McKay. The invocation was offered by Elder Alvin R. Dyer, a counselor to President McKay. The Tabernacle Choir provided the music, which included three favorite hymns of the Prophet: "I Need Thee Every Hour," "Crossing the Bar," and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."