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by Richard D. Hanks (Author)
Marion Duff Hanks (1921-2011) was one of the most beloved and influential leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the twentieth century, serving as a General Authority (senior leader) for forty years. He was also a leader of national import. As a recognized expert on youth, five US presidents appointed him to their President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Hanks also served as an executive leader of Rotary International and the Boy Scouts of America.
Author Richard Hanks draws on previously unavailable primary sources--journals, correspondence, notebooks, and recordings--to share this first and only authorized biography of his father. Hanks traces his father's influence as he advocated for numerous changes in the institutional church, including humanitarian efforts, refugee relief services, missionary community service, a focus on mercy for the sinner, and a churchwide emphasis on "coming unto Christ." A Renaissance man, Duff Hanks felt comfortable mingling with presidents and world leaders and speaking from pulpits and podiums to huge audiences and on television. But he found his greatest joy in assisting the individual, encouraging each in their personal search for happiness. Once, when asked about his goals, he replied, "My strongest desire is to qualify to be a friend of Christ."
Author Biography
Richard D. Hanks is an author and retired senior executive, having served at several of the largest multinational companies in the world, including Marriott, PepsiCo, and Price Waterhouse. Also a successful serial entrepreneur, Ernst & Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. Rich obtained his bachelor's degree from BYU, his MBA from Northwestern, and taught as an adjunct professor at Cornell for ten years. He served as a board director of profit and non-profit organizations and as an in-demand public speaker. Rich is active in his faith, loves being with his family, and enjoys woodworking. He adores his wife, Liz, their three terrific children and their spouses, and their eleven grandchildren. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
