The 15th president of the LDS Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away on Jan. 27, 2008 following nearly 13 years as the LDS church prophet. (Photo: LDS Church) SALT LAKE CITY - The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gordon Bitner Hinckley, died on Sunday at the age of 97 after spending more than a decade as the Mormon faith's leader.The announcement came late Sunday evening from LDS Church officials. President of the church since 1995, officials say Hinckley died peacefully at his home from health complications related to his age.Born on June 23, 1910, Hinckley ascended to the church presidency on Mar. 12, 1995. For nearly 13 years, Hinckley served as the 15th prophet of the LDS faith as a successor to Howard W. Hunter.Hinckley was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the LDS Church in 1961. After 20 years in the post, he was called up to the First Presidency on Jul. 23, 1981. Hinckley served as Second Counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball and later First Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson between 1985 and 1994.In 1994, he served for LDS Church President Howard W. Hunter during his brief nine month tenure.At age 96, Hinckley became the oldest president in LDS Church history on Nov. 2, 2006 -- surpassing David O. McKay.Hinckley might be best known for his aggressive attitude in building LDS temples around the world. As of Jan. 2008, 124 LDS temples were operating worldwide -- with several others either planned or under construction. Prior to Hinckley's presidency, there were less than 50 world temples.
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