In the month since the plane crash on Nov. 30 that took the lives of nine Latter-day Saints, the extended family of James D. Hansen, Sr. has mourned the passing of Hansen, his sons, grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The family patriarch’s funeral was held on Dec. 18 with President M. Russell Ballard presiding. According to Church News, President Ballard offered “a gentle suggestion to Brother Hansen’s relatives and friends—and, perhaps ‘to anyone who has lost someone’ to the next world. When referring to departed loved ones, he said, don’t use the term ‘was.’ Instead, say ‘is.’”
“James Hansen is in the great world of the spirits of the dead. He is alive,” President Ballard said.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson was also present and read a letter to those grieving in the wake of the accident.
“We unite our prayers with all who mourn with you,” said the letter, signed by President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring. “Although we do not always understand why such events occur, we do know that God our Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ know your needs. They have compassion for you and know the pain in your hearts.”
Read full coverage from the funeral from Church News here.