U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has released a statement following the death of Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In his statement, Lee reflected on his personal connection to Nelson, recounting that as a child he witnessed Nelson’s skill as a heart surgeon when both of Lee’s maternal grandparents underwent surgery performed by Nelson. “I first acquired my profound respect for him as a seven-year-old boy, when he performed open-heart surgery on both of my maternal grandparents. On the same day Just a few short years ago, President Nelson described to me in exquisite detail how he handled each step of the two surgeries he had performed that day — more than 40 years earlier, and about seven years before he was called into full-time Church service as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,” Lee said.
Lee noted that after their operations, Nelson told his grandparents they could expect another 10 to 15 years of life; they lived for another 25 years and credited their longevity to Nelson’s care.
“Although I first heard his name in the context of his surgical practice, for me that was only the beginning of my countless reasons for admiring President Nelson,” Lee added.
He also spoke about Nelson’s character: “For as long as I’ve known him, he has exuded — and for me, he’s come to personify — the kind of faith, humility, and quiet confidence that tends to be the constant companion of a devoted servant and follower of Jesus Christ.”
Lee concluded by expressing condolences: “To the day he died, he remained a healer — of hearts and of souls. Sharon and I extend our gratitude and heartfelt condolences to President Nelson’s family, and to the millions of Latter-day Saints throughout the world who mourn his passing.”
