Tributes from Elder L. Tom Perry’s Funeral

June 5, 2015, Salt Lake Tabernacle

“[My sister] Linda Gay and I … want to express our personal gratitude to Sister Barbara Perry for being the faithful companion to our father for over 39 years and especially for the care she has given him over the past year. … We acknowledge your great loss, Barbara—a loss magnified because your devotion to your husband was so complete. …

“Every day of [Elder Perry’s] life was glorious to him. He embraced a life that was always full speed ahead. He immersed himself so completely in everything he did that he forgot until very late in life that it was necessary to slow down. … He lived his life to its fullest—a life of devotion to God, family, and country.”

Lee T. Perry, son

“Elder Perry by his nature is one who always expected to see things move forward. He seemed to have very little patience if time was not productive. He always taught, encouraged, and inspired all of the General Authorities that we could do more, we could do better, and we could move faster in blessing the lives of every member of the Church. …

“Elder Perry faced personal challenges, but through his unshakable optimism and his faith in God’s eternal plan he would often declare, ‘I have never had a bad day in my life.’ …

“Three days prior to his passing, Elder Dallin H. Oaks and I called on Elder and Sister Perry. … As always, Elder Perry spoke of his love for members of the Church and his great anxiety and concern for their spiritual well-being. He said, ‘Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Everything depends on Him. We better find a way to stay close to Him, and if you can’t, there’s not much hope. That is what we need. We can build in the stakes of Zion a real strong love for the gospel.’”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“L. Tom Perry was a big brother to all his juniors in the Quorum of the Twelve. …

“Elder Perry made a tremendous impression on everyone he met. As one Catholic friend said, ‘His goodness was just transparent. He impressed you simply by being the great-souled man that he was.’

“Another nationally prominent non-LDS leader wrote, ‘Elder Perry was an inspiration to me. Four years ago he visited my offices in New York. I was struck by the incredible vitality of this man. He was friendly, clear, and direct—very direct. I was inspired. I am sure that Elder Perry had this effect on thousands of people over the course of his life.’”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“[Elder Perry] was one who responded willingly to any assignment and in whom we all had complete confidence. Blessed with an abiding faith, an optimistic attitude, and a charitable spirit, Tom exemplified the declaration of the Apostle Paul, ‘Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity’ (1 Timothy 4:12). …

“Tom Perry combined an insightful mind with a faith-filled heart to work wonders with his words. His style was distinctly his own. He was endowed with a rich and resonant voice with which he proclaimed the word of God at home and abroad all the days of his life. All who heard his voice, and those who read his words, could readily see that here was a fearless defender and testifier of truth. …

“Along with his faith, commitment, and energy, Tom Perry was one of the most kind, considerate, and gracious men I’ve ever known. …

“I declare to you, my brothers and sisters, that there was no chink in L. Tom Perry’s armor, there was no guile in his soul, there was no flaw in his character. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and served Him with all his might to the very end of his mortal life. …

“Born in Logan, Utah, Tom answered his country’s call when he served as a marine during World War II. He had a most distinguished business career, and served ably in every position in the Church to which he was called. …

“His service to the Lord’s work has been exemplary and without flaw. …

“His indomitable spirit has gone home to that God who gave him life. His record is known in heaven and there will yield its treasure trove of good deeds and faithful service. …

“Wherever I go in this beautiful world, a part of this cherished friend will always go with me.”

President Thomas S. Monson

Above: The Perry family follows the casket into the Tabernacle, greeted by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy. Elder Perry’s wife, Barbara, shakes Elder Russell M. Nelson’s hand. Bottom, far left: Elder Perry’s daughter Linda Nelson places a single rose on the casket as her brother looks on. Left: In recognition of Elder Perry’s service in the U.S. Marines, an American flag is given to Sister Perry.