"Talk about enduring to the end, there is the ultimate example," said Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden. "This great man has left us, but he hasn't left us alone. He has left a virtual treasury of guidance, wisdom and counsel for all of us. ... He has set the bar very high in his expectations."

The Senate opened with a prayer remembering the long-serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died Sunday night at the age of 97, followed by more than a dozen personal remembrances of the church leader. In the House, Hinckley was remembered by a moment of silence.

Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, said that, whenever he spoke, Hinckley preached tolerance, compassion and acceptance.

"He believed this was a community. That it needs to be one and needs to be at harmony, and that impressed me," said Davis. "That is something I hope that I can embrace and live my life with and I hope that we all may accept and live with tolerance, compassion and acceptance."

Sen. John Valentine, R-Provo, said he met Hinckley at Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s inauguration shortly after Valentine was chosen to be Senate President.

"He looked at me with those great blue eyes he had and he embraced me, gave me a hug, looked at me and said, 'President, lead well, lead fairly and lead with your heart," Valentine said. "Then he took his cane and waved to everybody as he walked away. I remember that. I've remembered it to this day."