Hello again, everyone! I am saddened by some late breaking news of which I just became aware. Elder Von G. Keetch, who was called as a General Authority Seventy in April 2015, has passed away as the result of a brief and sudden illness at the relatively young age of 57. Since his call as a General Authority, Elder Keetch has served with the Church Public Affairs Department, and, at the time of his passing, was serving as the executive director of the same
Since the flu season has been particularly bad here in Utah (especially throughout the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys), that could have been the cause, but that has yet to be either confirmed or denied. . Funeral arrangements are pending, and the First Presidency has sent out their condolences to his family. I will share more about this as that becomes available.
It seems to be the season for actively-serving general authorities to pass away. Elder Bruce D. Porter did so in December 2016, and his death was preceded by that of Per G. Malm in July of that same year. And we have also, of course, seen the recent passing of two beloved apostles, Elder Robert D. Hales in October of last year, and President Thomas S. Monson at the beginning of this month.
It is always sad to hear of these beloved leaders passing away. But the one consolation we have is our knowledge that their work continues beyond the veil, unhindered by those factors that led to the deaths of their physical bodies.
Though they may never read this personally, I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of these deceased Church leaders, and especially in this case to the family of Elder Keetch, and to thank them for letting the rest of the Church share him for a time. Elder Keetch's legacy will live on as all of us live as he taught. In reference to that subject, since his call as a general authority came less than 3 years ago. he only had one opportunity to speak in general conference, and you can read that powerful sermon here.
As one who has read some things that have been written of Elder Keetch's ministry, I can say without hesitation (or fear of contradiction) that he practiced what he preached. May God bless his memory, and his family as they mourn his passing at this tender time, that they may be comforted by the knowledge of a future reunion with him.
That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
BREAKING NEWS: Elder Von G. Keetch Passes Away at age 57
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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