"You've got the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, you've got the lake, and you've got the Utah Jazz," says Frank Layden. "That's what people know. I travel all around the world, and everywhere I go that's what people talk about when they learn you're from Utah. The Utah Jazz. John Stockton. Karl Malone. The Jazz have been critical to this city. If you don't have that arena and the Jazz, we don't get the Olympics. And we don't get the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Finals.

"I'll tell you this:  Larry's name should be on that arena somewhere. On the floor or on the building, whatever. When he got into something, he took it seriously. You'd see him down on the ground with a hard hat on when they were building that thing. When he built the Delta Center it was the best arena in basketball. It's first class."

“There is a positive side to the congregational microscope my ward lives under. . . . What happens to a few happens to all” (“Well-Being of Others Is Our Business,” Salt Lake Tribune, July 30, 2005, p. C1).

The compassion and service rendered by caring ward members as a result of this tragic accident are not unique to this particular incident. The Book of Mormon prophet Alma explained to prospective followers of Christ: “As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” then, as Alma explained, they were prepared for baptism (see Mosiah 18:8–9). This scripture lays the foundation for ministering and caring in a most compassionate way.

The ward is organized to minister to the needs of those who face even the most difficult and heartbreaking trials. The bishop, often considered the “father” of the ward, is there to provide counsel and resources. But also close at hand are Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood leaders, the Relief Society presidency, home teachers, visiting teachers, and the ward members—always the ward members. All are there to administer comfort and show compassion in times of need.

I do not worry about the Saints in poverty, but when the Lord sees fit to open the great oil reserves in Utah, I tremble for them.