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Joseph McConkie Obituary
Joseph Fielding McConkie, son of Bruce R. and Amelia Smith McConkie, passed away in his home, on October 10, 2013 surrounded by family.
Born on April 3, 1941 in Salt Lake City, his youthful years were enriched by family and wonderful friends, who have remained close to the present.
He and his wife Brenda are the parents of nine children: Shanna Jensen (Kurt), Sherri, Joseph Fielding Jr. (Amanda), Nathan Richard (Melissa), Heather Oitzman (Heath), Michelle Walker (Nate), Debra Daly (Craig), Kaylynn Osmond (Greg), Kristine Nicholls (Josh) and 29 grandchildren. His siblings are: Vivian Adams (Carlos), Stanford McConkie (Kathy), Mary Donoho (Ben), Mark McConkie (Mary Ann), Rebecca Pinegar (Michael), Stephen McConkie (Shauna), and Sara Fenn, (Jerry).
Joseph graduated from Olympus High School in 1959 where his greatest interest was athletics and his proudest achievement being co-captain of the football team. Following graduation from high school he attended Brigham Young University where his world expanded to include books and a host of opportunities for an inquiring and creative mind.
At the conclusion of his freshman year he served as a missionary in the British Isles. As a missionary he discovered his great love of teaching which later became his life's pursuit. He graduated from BYU in 1965 and accepted an assignment as a teacher in the LDS Church Educational System and taught for a year at the Viewmont Seminary in Bountiful, Utah.
During the summer of 1966 he commenced work on a master's degree in Church History. It was here that he met and courted Brenda Pearl Kempton from Safford, Arizona. They were married on September 28, 1966 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Almost immediately after they were married, Joseph was called to military duty where he served as an LDS Chaplain for 3 years, including a year in Vietnam. Upon his discharge from the military, he returned to the classroom and commenced work on his doctoral degree in education while teaching seminary at Olympus and Skyline High Schools in Salt Lake City. He completed his Doctorate Degree in 1973 and was appointed Director of the LDS Institute of Religion at the University of Washington in Seattle where he was employed for the next four years. In 1977 he was invited to join the faculty of the College of Religion at Brigham Young University where he taught for thirty years and had the opportunity to travel and teach extensively in the Bible lands.
As a young man he was promised by his father in a priesthood blessing that he would have an unusual power of expression in both the written and spoken word and that he would be called on to serve in many presidencies. These promises found fulfillment over the duration of his life. He became the author of over 30 books and numerous articles including: Gospel Symbolism, The Bruce R. McConkie Story, Valiant in the Testimony of Christ, and, 50 Truths the Devil Doesn't Want You to Know.
He spent nearly 40 years laboring in positions of presidency in the Church. His favorite assignment was presiding over the Scotland Edinburgh Mission where he alongside his wife directed the work of 600 missionaries during a three-year period. He will be remembered for his powerful testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, his engaging smile and spontaneous humor. In his later years he greatly enjoyed his assignment as a temple sealer in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.
He battled cancer over the last 10 years of his life while continuing to do the things he loved: including teaching, writing, birding and fishing.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 19th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stonewood LDS Chapel at 450 South 100 West, Orem. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem and also Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services. He will be interred in the SL Cemetery next to his parents. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McConkie
Christel Lane Swasey
October 6, 2024
Joseph and Brenda McConkie had such a profound impact on me. It was one of the most meaningful honors of my life to serve with them in Scotland for 18 months. Their testimonies and the way in which they taught the clear truths of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ were unforgettable! I am so grateful for the service and example they gave, the knowledge and inspiration that they provided, and the bright light that they shone for me. I´ll never forget how we testified of the Book of Mormon and of the prophet Joseph Smith and brought people to the church and to baptism- because focusing on Christ´s pure doctrines revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith worked. It brought the spirit to people. It filtered out the unprepared and the prepared. We were successful because we learned from the McConkies to be loyal and true to the message of the restoration. Christ´s restoration of truth to earth. These experiences have shaped my life and spiritual progress. I can´t thank them enough. But that´s not all... decades later in my life, after my divorce and after having found my new husband, President McConkie served as the sealer, and sealed my husband and I in the temple. What a blessing! I look forward to being a friend of Joseph and Brenda McConkie in the eternal world.
John Bledsoe
April 21, 2024
I had Joseph McConkie for two religion classes in 1980 and 1981 at BYU. I loved the way he taught the scriptures. Very memorable. I have since enjoyed his books and talks. I appreciated his insight and sense of humor.
Roland Sauerland
December 12, 2022
He was a great teacher and different from the other religion teachers. I took several classes of his at BYU in 1983 and 1984.
Christel Swasey
October 6, 2020
My whole life has been blessed by knowing Joseph and Brenda McConkie. I will always cherish them both.
Rick Varner
November 5, 2013
Dear McConkie Family: I was saddened to read of the passing of your husband and father. I was a student of his back in the 1980's and loved his class on the Book of Mormon, but appreciated even more his book The Bruce R. McConkie Story -- and the tender way he recounted his father's final days. It reminded me of the passing of my own father and the instructions he gave our family during his final days -- he also died young - in his 60's. I e-mailed your father after I concluded the book and he graciously responded with a kind e-mail. My you all be filled with the Spirit and Comforter, and the assurance of the truthfulness of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, His kingdom here on earth and the restoration of His glorious gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Dave Ashton
November 2, 2013
I met the Elder McConkie family when they moved into our ward in the 60' and Joseph would attend the ward in the summers while he was attending BYU. He did leave an impression on me and I was thrilled when he was on Gospel Discussions on KBYU-tv several years ago. I had finally caught up with where he was. I knew his life would be great and I see that it was. Way to go Joe! May God's blessings continue on his family.
Ron Baer
October 26, 2013
as a class mate of Joe's at Olympus, I was touched and uplifted by his zest for life and delightful if sometimes dry sense of humor. In subsequent years, I have been strengthened by these characteristics and and through his superb gospel scholarship and his mastery of the written word. We will all miss Joe. My prayers are with all his family.
Carl & Jacque Lawson
October 25, 2013
Dear Brenda & family,
Not sure you even remember us. We lived by you in Granger (Taylorsville) UT in early years of our married lives. I remember having some Easter egg hunts etc. with our young children. We have read many of Joseph's books and appreciate his great gospel knowledge and teachings. We are so sorry for the passing of Joseph. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort are with you. All our best for this major adjustment to your lives. Carl & Jacque Lawson, Parker, CO [email protected]
Jim Jackson
October 23, 2013
I didn't serve under pres McConkie but I'll always remember a talk that he gave in my home town of beith, Scotland. It was about being a father and the responsibility that it brings. My thoughts go to all his family at this time.
October 20, 2013
Dear Cousins:
We were unble to attend Joseph's funeral and were saddened by his passing. Upon hearing of his declining health several weeks ago we had included him in our prayers along with other family members who were suffering from ill health. We are reminded of Granddady's words at the funeral of Elder Richard L. Evans: "No righteous man is taken before his time." That should bring comfort to Joseph's family. His scholarship must have been needed on the other side.
We send our love and prayers to all of you.
Hoyt and Judy Brewster and family.
Bill & Emma Fife
October 19, 2013
Bill and I will not be able to come to Joseph's funeral, but our hearts and prayers will be with you, as they have been since we heard of his passing. Nigel Gillingham visited us recently and said he enjoyed getting to know Joseph in Scotland. They've immigrated to the USA, coming here because their daughter is in our ward. They plan to become citizens. I like listening to Joseph on TV. You will miss him. Death comes to ease suffering. I didn't know he had cancer for 10 years. We lost our daughter Jennifer to cancer 25 Dec 1994; it is never easy to lose a loved one, but I do know that a kind loving Heavenly Father gives us comfort and we are blessed to know that our Savior is there for us. I am writing for Bill as well as for me. Love, Bill & Emma Fife
October 18, 2013
Kristine-
I don't know how I stumbled upon this news, but I don't think it was by accident. I know we haven't been in contact for years...but I will always be grateful for the impact you had on my life and wanted to thank you for being such a great friend/roommate to me at BYU. You came into my life when I really needed a good friend and I learned SO much from you. I will always remember those fun days working at concessions, our conversations, and studying in your dad's office...my heart broke hearing this news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! We are so blessed to know what we know!
-Natalie
[email protected]
October 18, 2013
I was a student in one of Brother McConkie's classes at BYU in the late 1970's. Always enjoyed going to his classes. Always learned something new there with some new perspective. Over the past years, I have enjoyed seeing him and hearing his words of wisdom in the Gospel Discussions programs on the BYU/tv channel. Hope those programs continue well into the future.
Those in the Spirit World now have another wonderful teacher and instructor, and overall "good guy" in their midst.
Sorry that I'm in California and won't be able to attend the memorial service.
Lord Bless him and his family and close friends at this time.
Sincerely,
Brother David Paul
Doug Christensen
October 18, 2013
Brenda and Family, memories are hard to put into words. True "love thy neighbor as thy self" is hard to express fully in writing. We love Joseph, Brenda and family. The message of truth being taught by the Master Teacher was always confirmed by the Holy Ghost. It was always strengthening to the soul and a good warm feeling was present when being taught. His Love for you, Brenda, and family was always foremost and eternal in his actions and discussions. The joy of the gospel in his life always produced humor and relief. I cherish the times we worked side-by-side as brothers, sometimes in priesthood callings and others as friends. I will thank him forever for being a permanent part of my heart. From an old Scottish saying, “What err thou art, Act well thy part”. Joseph did act well the many parts given to him. Know of our love. Look forward to seeing each of you
Me and my oldest son, Bruce.
Mark Mathews
October 18, 2013
I have waited for a week to write this post. I still don't know exactly what to say except this: Thank you, Joseph Fielding McConkie!
So much of who I am today is because of Bruce Redd and Joseph Fielding McConkie. The influence of these two men on my life simply can not be measured. All I have ever wanted to be in life is a man like these two McConkies.
I first met Joseph McConkie as a missionary in the MTC where he shared a simple but profound concept that changed me as a missionary and as a man. It was that we don't answer questions about the church by arguing about the Bible but by taking them in the quickest and most direct route to the Sacred Grove. As I have applied that principle as a missionary and later as a seminary teacher I have taken literally thousands of souls to the Sacred Grove and testified with all my heart of the First Vision. As i have done so I have come to realize that in bringing others to the First Vision we don't just lead them to salvation, we lead ourselves there too. Through that process I have come to know the Lord and His servant the Prophet Joseph Smith. Thank you, Joseph McConkie for leading me in the quickest and most direct route to the Sacred Grove and to the salvation that is found there!
The last time I spoke with Joseph McConkie was in August as I was seeking his counsel on how to navigate the hiring process at BYU so I could become a BYU religion professor like him. He looked so tired and weak but he scheduled time to speak with me. It was a "tough row to hoe" he told me but he was true and faithful to the end.
As I search for what words I can summarize my feelings with, perhaps the greatest tribute I could give him is this, he was a teacher sent from God to me. He will always be my teacher. His words and example are still teaching me. And as a teacher myself, I stand on the shoulders of giants.
I love you, Joseph Fielding McConkie!
Debbie SACKETT
October 18, 2013
What a great blessing to have known the McConkies for all these years! Three great lessons I learned from Joseph McConkie: 1) most of what kids learn is caught not taught. 2) delegate and then follow up. 3) home teaching and visiting teaching are more important than we give them credit for. One of my favorite things was to attend his classes at Education Week. Everyone would be sitting so solemnly taking notes and he would use that dry wit of his and I would laugh and everyone would look at me like I was being irreverent. :) We are forever grateful for the opportunities we have had to learn from your family through the years!
October 17, 2013
When he came to BYU to teach I had the opportunity to teach a religion class in the early morning hours. It was a joy to be with him in meetings, and listen to him teach. His friendship over the years has been a treasure.
To Shanna and Kurt, please know of our love and prayers for you at this time. WE will miss Joseph, and hope to be some day where he is now. Perhaps the "brethren" will assign him to his dad, and they can teach together. What a companionship that would be!
Respectfully,
Jay and Phyllis Adamson
October 17, 2013
Brenda & family, Joseph is one of my favorite CES and BYU colleagues. Since first meeting him I have considered him as good a saint, scholar, teacher, writer and leader as I have ever known. I have always enjoyed his sense of humor, even on those occasions in which I was its object. Knowing him and working at his side is a distinct privilege in my memory. May you all enjoy the sweet fruits of his great faith and love.
Alan K. Parrish
Bruce Kelly
October 16, 2013
I first met Joseph at the Salt Lake International Airport, July 2011. The previous week I had contacted his son-in-law Kurt Jensen about joining me on my annual fishing trip to Alaska. Kurt asked if it would be possible to include Joseph, as he had always wanted to fish for salmon in Alaska. Well, with a short time line it all came together thanks to Dave and Mary Goggia of Kenai, Alaska and my wife's airline "friends and family" passes. It was a great fishing trip. Not only did Joseph catch salmon (see photo gallery), he also caught friends and admirers everywhere he went.
After a week of fishing, on our drive back to Anchorage my wife called me somewhat frantic about Kurt and Joseph getting on the plane back to SLC. The passes they were traveling on were standby and they could only board if there were empty seats available, and the gate agent called your name and handed you a boarding pass. Well, once we arrived at the airport I went directly to the lead agent and asked about Kurt and Joseph getting on the flight. To my great surprise the agent was a member of the church and once she saw Joseph's name, she said, "Don't worry, I'm working the flight and Joseph Fielding McConkie will be getting on this plane."
Just like at the airport, Joseph patiently waited on the Lord during his long battle with cancer, and on Thursday, October 10th, once again his name was called but this time he truly got to go home.
Neil Carlile
October 16, 2013
To the McConkie Family:
I want to extend my love and condolences to you at the passing of Brother McConkie. He was a remarkable person and an outstanding teacher. His love of the Savior and His gospel led Brother Joseph to study deeply and comprehensively, consequently his teaching and writing have strengthened and comforted many thousands of people. He traveled and taught widely and it was a pleasure to be associated with him in many BYU Continuing Education programs like Education Week, Know Your Religion, Adult Religion Classes and many other conferences and symposiums. May you feel the peace and comfort of the gospel now and always.
Respectfully,
Neil Carlile
Keith Holdaway
October 16, 2013
What a good soul he is. Nothing was better than to study and discuss the gospel at 6 AM while the world slept. I have learned so much and my life is more enriched because I got to know him. He was viewed by may as a very serious man, and he was when the doctrine needed to be taught, but I also loved so much his humor. I loved to laugh with him. His most classic to me was a bichopric meeting when he said "If the Lord wanted everything done by the manuel he would not have called you dumb Bishops. I loved and all he stood for. I am a better man thanks to him. My love to his wonderful wife and family
Casey Griffiths
October 16, 2013
Brother McConkie was my teacher in a graduate seminary class on the doctrines of the Restoration a few years ago. He was one of the finest teachers I have ever known, and hada huge impact on my teaching and my writing. He was a great man, and I feel very fortunate that I was able to be taught by him.
Steven Caloca
October 15, 2013
Joseph taught me knowledge and wisdom of the temple.
Peggy and Tim Huffaker
October 15, 2013
Sara, Jerry and family,
We are sorry to hear of Joseph's passing. You shared his valiant determination to continue his activities as he battled cancer. Our thoughts and prayers to you and all who loved him.
Richard Hinckley
October 15, 2013
To Brenda and children,
Joseph has been an inspiration since high school. God bless you and bless his memory.
Debbie Ditton
October 15, 2013
My husband served as one of the Assistants to President Mcconkie in Scotland. Because of his influence, my husband has taught seminary for the past 17 years and is a true scholar of the scriptures. I truly appreciate the role Pres. McConkie had in shaping the wonderful man I am married to.
Michael Harris
October 14, 2013
Because of Joseph Fielding McConkie I know, understand, and appreciate more the prophet Joseph Smith.
Lu Ann Winters
October 14, 2013
So sorry to hear Brother McConkie's passing. He was my institute teacher at the University Of Washington. Sure enjoyed his classes. Gave us a lot of insight into the gospel. And enjoyed his sense of humor.
Stephanie Zimmerman
October 14, 2013
I took a Pearl Of Great Price religion course at BYU from Brother McConkie. It was one of my favorite classes. I have thought back to that class many times, not just for what I learned, but for the strength of testimony displayed by a wonderful teacher.
Scotland Forever!
Christel (Lane) Swasey
October 14, 2013
Dear McConkies,
I have not know any greater person on this earth, personally, than Joseph Fielding McConkie.
His dedication, example, scholarship, speaking ability, writing ability, sense of humor, and expectations of greatness from others, were great. They were Great.
Nothing I've experienced in any classroom or Sunday school class has ever come close to what it was like, sitting in a congregation as a missionary, hearing him speak. He taught so well! He taught with power. He taught the words of Christ, the words of the prophets, the glorious truths of the restoration of the gospel by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
He had a profound way of explaining gospel truths --that will be sorely missed! I still have my tattered notebooks filled with notes I took while sitting in hard pews or on grassy hills in Scotland, listening with all the other missionaries as he taught us so clearly and beautifully and unmistakably, what it means to be a child of God, what it means to be a missionary of the restored gospel.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude to him, and to his dear, loving, wonderful wife!
Last of all, it was a great privilege to have our marriage sealed by President McConkie in the Mt. Timpanogos temple six years ago. What a blessing and a privilege.
I know you will miss him very, very much.
My family and I send our condolences and love and gratitude for all the time you shared him with all of us.
Much love,
Christel Lane Swasey and family
Sylvia Burrell Lacey
October 14, 2013
Dear Brenda and family
I was so happy to meet you and your husband when you came to Chapel Hill, NC and visited our ward for a Sunday night fireside and Joseph spoke to us. It was so good to meet you and your husband and daughter that night after so many years when we both attended Safford high school in Arizona. As it later turned out your daughter and her husband Greg Osmond were in the same ward as my daughter Jennifer Cashion and her husband Mike. They became friends as long as he was here attending medical school at Duke. I also enjoyed seeing them around in our stake center with their two beautiful young children. My condolences and love to you and your family.
Jean Smith
October 14, 2013
Brother McConkie will be greatly missed and never forgotten. I had the privilege of attending several of his adult religion classes and he taught many of us how to study, how to teach, and how to enjoy this life with all of the challenges that come our way. He truly is/was a "Man of God". My heartfelt sympathy to his family that he loved so dearly.
Ed and Carol Brown
October 14, 2013
Dearest Brenda and Family,
How we loved our association with you and Joseph in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. We consider your friendship to be one of the choice blessings of our temple service. Our hearts are tender and deeply grateful for this choice opportunity. We love you both and look forward to that great day when all tears will be wiped from all faces.
Love,
L. Edward and Carol Brown
Michael Bouck
October 14, 2013
I loved President McConkie's teaching abilities and humor. As I returned home from my mission in Scotland he advised me (knowing that I was a farm kid) to "go back to Idaho and grow Brussels Sprouts" I'm thankful to have spent some time with him and wish his family the best.
October 13, 2013
My love and best wishes to you all. You've all been profound influence in my life for many many years. Carol Jean Summerhays
October 13, 2013
Milton & Grace Jones send their condolences. It was an honor to serve under President McConkie in Scotland. We love to hear him at zone conference.
Pam Gunrud/Butterfield
October 13, 2013
Jerry and Sara, So sorry to read of the loss of such an amazing brother. What a noble family to belong to. Peace be yours,Pam Gunrud/Butterfield
October 13, 2013
Jerry and Sarah, So sorry to read of the passing of such an accomplished brother.What a great and noble family you belong to. Peace be with you, Pam Gunrud Butterfield
Cameron D Wilson
October 13, 2013
Few men have meant as much to me in my growth and learning. My love and prayers go to the McConkie Family. We will all miss him for a time.
Bruce Van Orden
October 13, 2013
Joseph was a beloved colleague who aided me immeasurably in my teaching and writing career. May he and his family be granted eternal life and exaltation.
Brad Neiger
October 13, 2013
Joseph is one of the great gospel inspirations in my life. He has influenced me immeasurably.
C. Homer
October 13, 2013
He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God...
May the Lord's blessings be with your family.
SEM '88-'90
Dale C. Mouritsen
October 13, 2013
Blessings and condolences to Bro McConkie's family. I first met Joseph in graduate school and from then on for me he set very high standards in scholarship and warmth. My own work in CES as well as that of many others was greatly enhanced by his spirit and example and he will be truly missed.
Darrell Hall
October 13, 2013
He was an amazing man to serve under. He could inspire and motivate the missionaries in Scotland and bring the spirit so strongly where ever he went.
He will be missed.
The Degn Family
October 13, 2013
Our condolences and love to the McConkie family. Brother McConkie was our home teacher growing up (Orem 56th and Lakeridge 5th wards) and was always engaging to the oldest as well as the very youngest in our family. Several years ago, Brother McConkie took time to meet with my husband, who has been an LDS chaplain now for 15 years, about the Army chaplaincy and answer questions. My husband was a stranger to him, yet Brother McConkie made the time for a meaningful visit. Very thankful for the example of this good man. Love and best, Kristi (Larsen) and Christopher Degn
Jared Young
October 13, 2013
As a missionary that served under President McConkie, he helped my develop a great love for the scriptures and for the Prophet Joseph Smith. My condolences go out to the McConkie family. He was a great and will be missed.
Deana (Glenn) Edmondson
October 13, 2013
I am honored to have known and served with such a great man in Scotland. May the Spirit comfort your family at this time of great loss. We love you!
Cory Hansen
October 13, 2013
Every once in a while, you meet people that have an above average impact on your life. This was one such man for me. The first time that I met him, he forced my attention by asking me a question about Joseph Smith that I could not answer. Over the next 20 months or so, as a missionary in Scotland, he was a mentor and a tutor on life and other gospel subjects. He taught me things like "The Holy Ghost cannot draw on an empty well," and "You cannot teach something that you don't know any more than your can come back from a place that you have never been." He taught me that I had (and continue to have) a divine investiture of authority with every calling that I hold. That "as weak and simple as I am," I become strong by making and keeping covenants; and all ambitions in life that are worth a 'bucket of warm spit' can be found in learning, sharing, and fulfilling the opportunity by finding people and by teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. That first meeting in 1989 and every one since causes a serious reflection on who I am and questions all that I am doing in life. I crave his instruction and his enthusiasm for scripture mastery. He was a towering figure in my life and will be missed. Were he to ask me the same question today about Joseph Smith that he asked when we first met, I would have the answer. Beyond that, the answers that have come to my life because of the example of Joseph Fielding McConkie, have produced a change in me and the kind of happiness that I could not have imagined were it not for his ability to teach what he knew so well.
Stephanie Reynolds (Platt)
October 13, 2013
I had the opportunity of serving in the office the last month of President & Sister McConkie's Mission. What an amazing example of diligence, inspiration and love for each other and the Gospel. Thank you both x
Larry LaMar Adams
October 13, 2013
Brenda, I have always thought of you two as one, and felt your greatness with his as I worked with him in many different ways. He was truly blessed with the gift of “unusual power of expression,”
and I am grateful for his taking the time and effort to teach me how to use some of it in our co-teaching and writing-- I am still benefiting greatly from it. I know the Lord is with you greatly at this “last earthly graduation ceremony.” Our family sends love to you all.
Brian Litster
October 12, 2013
I enjoyed my Pearl of Great Price class at BYU. It was good to listen to his presentations. My prayers are with the McConkie Family.
Lisa Kilburn Arntsen
October 12, 2013
I am so grateful that my path crossed with Brother McConkie's during my years at BYU in the 1980's. He helped me learn to search for truth in a deeper way. He made a meaningful difference in my life. I pray that the family will have peace and comfort.
Dell Omega Grant
October 12, 2013
I hope that your family will be comforted by sweet memories of Joseph Fielding McConkie, and by the love and prayers that surround you. I look forward to reading some of his writings.
Troy Winger
October 12, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to the McConkie family. My siblings grew up with President McConkie's kids. I got to know him when he was a part of the Orem South Stake Presidency while I was attempting to attend a mission. Upon returning from my mission, he imterviewed me for my recommend to marry my wife. I was completely thrown me off by his humor when he asked me if there had been any "hanky panky?" I was grateful to have been inspired by him during those few years of my life. May God bless the McConkie family.
Rachelle Schaugaard Stubbs
October 12, 2013
This man left an eternal impact on my testimony. I am ever grateful for the service his family gave to bless the lives of the saints and missionaries in Scotland.
Cory Hansen
October 12, 2013
Every once in a while, you meet people that have an above average impact on your life. This was one such man for me. The first time that I met him, he forced my attention by asking me a question about Joseph Smith that I could not answer. Over the next 20 months or so, as a missionary in Scotland, he was a mentor and a tutor on life and other gospel subjects. He taught me things like "The Holy Ghost cannot draw on an empty well," and "You cannot teach something that you don't know any more than your can come back from a place that you have never been." He taught me that I had (and continue to have) a divine investiture of authority with every calling that I hold. That "as weak and simple as I am," I become strong by making and keeping covenants; and all ambitions in life that are worth a 'bucket of warm spit' can be found in learning, sharing, and fulfilling the opportunity by finding people and by teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. That first meeting in 1989 and every one since causes a serious reflection on who I am and questions all that I am doing in life. I crave his instruction and his enthusiasm for scripture mastery. He was a towering figure in my life and will be missed. Were he to ask me the same question today about Joseph Smith that he asked when we first met, I would have the answer. Beyond that, the answers that have come to my life because of the example of Joseph Fielding McConkie, have produced a change in me and the kind of happiness that I could not have imagined were it not for his ability to teach what he knew so well.
Alicia F
October 12, 2013
MY prayers are with your family at this time.
Ken Patterson
October 12, 2013
Brenda, We arrived in Seattle in 1973 and immediately became involved with Joseph in the Institute program. He came to the dental school and taught me how to ask questions. Joseph is one of the most influential men in my life. Now he is teaching as never before. Peace and love to you and your family.
Jann Peterson-Kelsch
October 12, 2013
To Sister McConkie and the McConkie Family: Words cannot begin to describe my love for your family and sorrow for your loss. I have fond memories of Scotland as a missionary. While we are mourning the loss of President McConkie, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.
Aaron Chambers
October 12, 2013
I took a course from Br. McConkie at BYU 15 or so years ago. It's true he had an unusual power of expression, for example I still remember a lesson about the importance of a name. As a result each of my 6 children has a meaningful, special name for which I'm grateful.
Alan PUCKRIN
October 12, 2013
Great gospel teacher and a great man. He made a wonderful difference in my life. I was one of the blessed to serve with him and Brenda in the SEM.
Mike Tannehill
October 12, 2013
One of the greatest influences in my life. A truly great man who lived worthy of the inspiration of God and shared that light with those around him.
Cindee Nielsen
October 12, 2013
May you feel the love and peace of the Lord at this tender time. Joseph was an inspiration to so many. I will always remember his strong testimony of the Gospel that he freely shared. I will miss his genuine, loving (if not a little mischievous) smile. My love to the McConkie family.
Gabrielle McManus
October 12, 2013
I never me Brother Mcconkie but he was my husbands mission president in Scotland. No one had more influence for good on his testimony than 'President'. For that I'm eternally grateful. RIP.
Garrett Pallo
October 12, 2013
Goodbye to one of the greatest men I have known. He had such an impact and shaping force on my life. I will be forever in his debt. Everything i am today, everything i have, my choice for a wife, the amazing kids i have, and all that i do, has his imprint upon them.
Cloverne Allred
October 12, 2013
It was such a wonderful experience working with him at the temple. He was always the teacher and willing to answer questions and share his testimony. Watching his cheerful nature as he battled the cancer was a real inspiration. He will be greatly missed!!
Salmon fishing on the Kenai River, Soldotna, Alaska
Bruce Kelly
October 12, 2013
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
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Resources to help you cope with loss
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph McConkie's life and legacy
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