Robert D. Hales
Robert D. Hales: A Life of Faith, Leadership, and Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Dean Hales was a prominent American religious leader, educator, and author. He is commonly referred to as President Hales.
Birth and Death Dates
Robert D. Hales was born on October 24, 1931, in New York City, USA. He passed away on January 27, 2017, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hales held dual nationality as a citizen of both the United States and Canada. Throughout his life, he excelled in various professions, including that of an educator, church leader, and author.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a devout family, Robert D. Hales was instilled with strong spiritual values from an early age. His parents, Charles and Edna Hales, were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which would later become a defining aspect of his life. Born to a family that valued education, Hales developed a passion for learning, attending the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration.
Major Accomplishments
Hales' distinguished career was marked by numerous accomplishments:
Elder and Apostle: He served as an Elder in the LDS Church from 1975 to 2017, being called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1994.
Educator and Author: Hales taught at various institutions, including Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Harvard Business School. He authored several books on faith and leadership.
Chancellor of BYU: From 1974 to 1977, he served as Chancellor of BYU, overseeing the university's administrative and academic affairs.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
"Joseph Smith's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles" (2013)
"Missionary Servants: A History of the Missionary Work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (2000)
Leadership and Faith: Hales' writings often focused on the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal growth.
Impact and Legacy
President Hales left an enduring impact on his community:
Faithful Leadership: He exemplified faithful leadership within the LDS Church, inspiring generations with his dedication to God and service.
Educational Contributions: As a distinguished educator, he contributed significantly to the development of BYU's academic programs and the advancement of faith-based education.
Authoritative Voice: Through his writings, Hales offered insightful perspectives on faith, leadership, and personal growth.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert D. Hales is widely quoted and remembered for:
Inspirational Quotes: His speeches and writings continue to inspire individuals worldwide with their wisdom, compassion, and insight into the human condition.
Faithful Leadership: As a devoted leader within the LDS Church, he embodied the principles of faith, love, and service that have guided his life's work.
Legacy of Faith and Learning: President Hales' legacy serves as a beacon of hope, reminding people of the transformative power of faith and education.
By exploring Robert D. Hales' remarkable life, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the quotes and remember why he continues to inspire countless individuals around the world.
Quotes by Robert D. Hales
Are there times in our lives when we think we have been forsaken by God, or by our fellow men, or by our families? Those are moments when we have to turn to Christ and endure.
Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future.
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of life – including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church – the greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents.
We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor.
The events and prophecies of our time are preparing us for the Savior’s Second Coming.
We will not fall, we will not fail; for our homes will be founded on Jesus Christ.
We are learning, day by day, about the gift of agency that allows us to experience the consequences, good and bad, of our own choices.
As disciples of Christ, we have a sacred obligation to uphold His laws and commandments and the covenants which we take upon ourselves.
We are all welcome to come into the waters of baptism. He was baptized to witness to His Father that He would be obedient in keeping His commandments. He was baptized to show us that we should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When young men prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament in worthiness and reverence, they literally follow the example of the Savior at the Last Supper and become like Him.