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Apostle: Past Ninety 1976-

Few leaders in this century have preached the gospel with the fervor and far-reaching effects of this apostle of the people.... At ninety, he continues to sparkle like a mountain spring with wit and wisdom and hard work in building the kingdom of God around the globe." Elder Thomas S. Monson said this to a large assembly of General Authorities and the members of LeGrand Richards's immediate family who were gathered to honor him on his ninetieth birthday, February 6, 1976.

Following that introduction by the chairman, Elder Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Council of the Twelve, addressed the group. In part he said: "Sitting beside me is one of the noble and great ones shown to Father Abraham. There is no better example of our religion in action than that of our faithful and honored guest-Elder, Bishop, President, Brother LeGrand Richards.... We love you and honor you, and hand you this little volume of the scriptures [signed by all of the Brethren]. I imagine that you have worn out one or two copies."

Accepting the gift, Elder Richards asked, "Who have you been talking about, Ezra?" Then turning to family and associates he said, "I don't deserve this, but it's very nice and I appreciate it. I love my family with all my heart. I love the Lord in like manner and the privilege of bearing his name honorably throughout the world in this calling. I love you Brethren-and I love the women as much as the Lord permits." He touched Ina's shoulder' and smiled. He closed with the words: "No matter what happens, I can only expect a short time to tarry with you. The words of Moroni as he closed his writings express my feelings at this time." He then quoted from them: "And now I bid [you] all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God." (Moroni 10:34.)

President N. Eldon Tanner responded by telling of his question to Brother Richards when he entered the door on that occasion, "Have you lived all your life in the United States?" and of LeGrand's answer, "Not yet!" which seemed to refute his sober, Moroni-like farewell of a few moments before.

President Tanner then told of once asking Elder Richards which book he liked best beyond the scriptures, and of the ready answer: "Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith by George Q. Cannon, which I read as a boy. It made me wish that I could have lived in his day and helped him through all the hardships and trials that he had to endure." "I think," said President Tanner, "that he's done that with every President of the Church under whom he's served, and with every associate he's had. He's tried to help them carry their responsibilities in addition to his own and to make their loads lighter."

All the guests stood to honor Ina Ashton Richards, small and frail beside her husband, and she thanked "whoever thoughtfully gave the lovely corsage" she was wearing. The birthday event came to a close with Elder S. Dilworth Young's words of benediction for LeGrand and Ina: "Be kind to them in their remaining years, enlarge them, keep them. May we have them with us as long as they would care to stay." The Brethren, including Elder Richards, then left for their respective offices to pick up their important work where they had left it.