Statements from the Leading Councils of the Church

The First Presidency join with the other General Authorities of the Church in expressing their great sense of loss at the passing of their brother and co-worker, Elder Richard L. Evans. They also extend their sincere love and condolences to Elder Evans’s dear wife and the other members of his family. We all admired the great capacity of this many-talented man, his keen perceptions, his wisdom, his talent for articulate expression, his cosmopolitan views, and his subtle wit. Above all else, however, we admired him for his firm testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the way in which he bore this testimony to the world. He was a special witness of the divinity of the Savior, and it was in this role that he rendered his greatest service and received his greatest personal satisfaction and sense of fulfillment. While others may be raised up to shoulder part of the heavy load he carried, there will never be one to take the place of Richard L. Evans, apostle, philosopher, thoughtful friend, wise counselor, loving husband and father.
The First Presidency

Our beloved Brother Richard L. Evans was a real son of God, a real apostle of Jesus Christ, a real public figure of influence, a real leader of his fellow beings, and a real friend to man.

Numerous people the world over have happily boasted that “Richard Evans is my church.” For forty-two years, under intense pressures, Elder Evans has returned to the microphone nearly every week with a message of depth and faith and freshness and inspiration.

As limitless approaches are made with the people all over the world by missionaries and others of us, we are greeted with the statement: “I listen every Sunday morning to Richard L. Evans.” This apostle touched the hearts of millions.

As you weigh the responsibilities of a man of God representing so intimately his Redeemer, he has measured up.

In the intimate councils of the leaders, he has met specific needs and made wise contributions.

He had a prodigious capacity for work and it extended into many fields. He has, in his short years, made an unbelievable contribution to his fellowman which will certainly bring to him the plaudits of his Lord, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. …”
The Council of the Twelve