The following is excerpted from the Church News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Before offering his formal remarks during an Ensign College devotional on Tuesday, Nov. 14, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf paid tribute to his “dear friend” and fellow Apostle, President M. Russell Ballard.

With bright autumn leaves strewn across trees and walkways, Ensign College students and faculty filled the 900-seat Conference Center Theater in downtown Salt Lake City to hear words of counsel and encouragement from Elder Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Just outside the Conference Center — amid a blue, cloudless sky — the flags flew at half-staff in respect for the passing of President Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who died Sunday, Nov. 14, at home surrounded by loved ones.

President Ballard was “a great, wonderful servant of the Lord — humble, teachable, loving and caring,” Elder Uchtdorf said.

Recently, Elder Uchtdorf and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, visited the Salt Lake City Cemetery where they stumbled upon the headstone President Ballard will share with his wife, Sister Barbara Ballard, who died in October 2018.

On the back of the headstone is counsel President Ballard frequently shared with the world, which Elder Uchtdorf in turn shared with students, including: “Keep it simple,” “Preach My gospel,” “Counsel together” and “Love and just serve.”

Said Elder Uchtdorf, “I will miss him. I will say goodbye but not forever.”

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.