High Ranking Mormon Leader Dies from Cancer

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The son of Mormon leader L. Tom Perry says his father died within 40 days of being diagnosed with rare anaplastic thyroid cancer and his family was shocked how it spread like "wildfire."

Lee Perry told the Deseret News on Sunday that his father, L. Tom Perry, met the terminal diagnosis with his customary acceptance of the Lord's will. L. Tom Perry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' highest governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, when he died Saturday at the age of 92 in Salt Lake City.

Lee Perry told The Salt Lake Tribune that despite being a traditionalist, his father was a listener and learner who tried to find common ground, even on divisive issues such as gay rights. Perry was greeted warmly by LGBT advocates in March when Gov. Gary Herbert signed a Mormon church-backed bill that bars discrimination against gay and transgender people while protecting the rights of religious groups and individuals. Funeral arrangements were still pending Sunday.