Key Takeaways
- President Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, passed away on December 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and hope.
- He was remembered by his colleagues and family as a dedicated advocate for faith and education, with a unique gift for connecting with people and making them feel special, loved, and valued.
- President Holland’s funeral was held on December 31, 2025, in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, with President Dallin H. Oaks presiding and several other leaders paying tribute to his life and legacy.
- His children, Elder Matthew S. Holland, Brother David F. Holland, and Sister Mary Alice H. McCann, shared personal memories and testimonies of their father’s influence and character.
- President Holland’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift people around the world through his teachings, writings, and example.
Introduction to President Holland’s Life and Legacy
President Jeffrey R. Holland, a renowned Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals through his unwavering testimony of God, his unrelenting passion for learning, and his unshakeable hope in the face of adversity. As President Dallin H. Oaks so eloquently expressed, "President Jeffrey R. Holland left a huge mark, loving personal memories of his influence and his unforgettable testimony of God on all that he touched." This testament to President Holland’s character was echoed by many who had the privilege of knowing him, including his colleagues, friends, and family members.
A Life of Faith and Education
President Holland’s dedication to faith and education was a hallmark of his life and ministry. As Elder Quentin L. Cook, a fellow Apostle and former mission companion, noted, "He was a dedicated advocate for faith and education. He had the extraordinary ability to connect with people." This ability to connect with others was a gift that President Holland possessed in abundance, and it enabled him to touch the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Whether through his teachings, writings, or personal interactions, President Holland had a profound impact on those around him, inspiring them to deepen their faith, pursue their educational aspirations, and cultivate a sense of hope and purpose.
Tributes from Colleagues and Family
The funeral services for President Holland were a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew him. President Oaks, who presided at the services, shared several comments from social media that highlighted the influence of President Holland’s life and teachings. He also quoted a missionary who recalled that a less-active woman had been deeply touched by President Holland’s ministry, saying, "He was the best." President Oaks responded, "Yes, Sister, he still is." This sentiment was echoed by President Holland’s children, who shared personal memories and testimonies of their father’s influence and character. Elder Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy, described his father as "an irresistible force for righteousness," whose unique gifts for friendship, intellect, language, and mirth disarmed and drew in virtually anyone who came within his orbit.
Personal Memories and Testimonies
President Holland’s children shared several personal anecdotes that illustrated their father’s character and legacy. Brother David F. Holland, for example, recalled how his father’s talks had impacted his own life, saying, "His public messages also powerfully rescued my faith, and healed my wounds, and renewed my hope, and gifted me a redemptive vision of Christ’s love." Sister Mary Alice H. McCann, President Holland’s daughter, remembered her father as "an Apostle of hope," who believed in the redemption of Jesus Christ and the power of His love to transform lives. She said, "My dad was able to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and [strengthen] the feeble knees,’ but it was not because he could do the lifting and the strengthening. It was because he knew the sustaining powers of the Redeemer of the World, and his passion was to give that knowledge to all who are faint of heart."
Legacy and Impact
President Holland’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift people around the world through his teachings, writings, and example. His dedication to faith and education, his passion for learning, and his unwavering hope in the face of adversity will remain a beacon of light to guide those who seek to follow in his footsteps. As the Church and the world mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, they also celebrate the impact he had on the lives of so many, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. The recording of the funeral services is available on demand in 35 languages at ChurchofJesusChrist.org and on YouTube in 10 languages, ensuring that President Holland’s message of love, learning, and hope will continue to be shared with people around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Jeffrey R. Holland’s life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Through his unwavering testimony of God, his unrelenting passion for learning, and his unshakeable hope in the face of adversity, President Holland inspired countless individuals to deepen their faith, pursue their educational aspirations, and cultivate a sense of hope and purpose. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of faith, hope, and charity, and of the enduring impact that such a life can have on the world.