To let everyone know, Hugh Nibley just passed away today. We’ve elected not to discuss the book of his daughter on this blog. Still, I must say that having the book come out the same week that the family will be dealing the funeral is a horrible burden to bear. I can’t imagine what that must be like for the family. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. Having to spend ones last days going through this is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I can only be thankful that Hugh Nibley is now in a place where his heart can be open and see things as they are.
I was going to say “I bet he’s having the time of his life” but..
Seriously, I think he must really be having a good time right about now.
As for those of us left in this lone and dreary world, our hearts go out to his family.
I salute the father of Mormon apologetics. I hope he enjoys the widened scope of discovery now open to him.
Just a brief note, the family has put out an official web site regarding the controversy.
As I mentioned in the other thread, those interested in the details of Beck’s book can discuss it on my blog.
I used to occasionally see Hugh Nibley at the entrance of the HBLL in the mornings … for some reasons our paths were crossing on a regular basis. I enjoyed reading his articles, books and lectures and wish his family well during this difficult time.
I was in Brother Nibley’s ward for several months in 1993, and deeply enjoyed the chance I had to meet and talk with him. My wife and daughter were ‘secret sisters’ for his wife, and were both charmed by the Nibleys’ graciousness. Our prayers are with the Nibley family and friends.
My condolences to the family, marking the passing of an amazing man.
Even though I grew up in Provo, I don’t recall ever meeting Bro. Nibley. When at BYU (in the 1970s), I used to goggle at the strange offerings in the Course Catalog (Chaldean, etc.) that were taught by one person only. I wish now that I had taken up the offer to join a class, just to hear him speak.
My brother, who did take a class from him, once told me that the only way to get his entire lecture was to wait at the door of his office, walk with him across campus to the classroom, sit through the lecture, and then walk with him BACK to his office. He was talking nonstop the entire time, of course, imparting gems of knowledge about the ancient world.
David Farnsworth
Tigard OR 97224
Is it possible that Heavenly Father decided to take Hugh Nibley at this time to give him rest from these horrible accusations? My prayers go out to the Nibley family (all of them). Hugh Nibley, despite his politics, was and always will be a great hero of mine. I own all of his collected works and have read them all at least twice. A great and brilliant man.
Over the years I have spent many fruitful hours pondering the witings of Bro. Nibley, all of which has been to my benefit and edification. I am sure his arrival greeting on the other side of the veil was something like “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
My heart goes out to his family at this time of loss. I look forward to meeting Bro Nibley someday, and thanking him for the contribution he has made to Mormonism. He fought the good fight, and now it’s time to move forward in progression.
I agree with Ben, he must be in great company now.
Goodbye Professor Nibley. Thank you for all you have done.
My first meeting with Professor Nibley came at a meeting of the Society for Nordic Studies at BYU in 1967. I was already aware of his work with ancient civilizations and Qumran, etc., but I was floored by his knowledge of Scandinavian history, literature and languages, something that one rarely hears about him. Brother Nibley, I salute you for the many contributions you made for learning, not just in college, but for the Church and the World. I doubt that we will see another like him anytime soon.
My thoughts paralleled Geoff B.’s: Now he can rest, and not have to live through the painful scandal. I can’t help but wonder what effect this had on his health, and what effect his death will have on his daughter. Not speculating; merely pondering. I have always greatly respected Bro. Nibley’s scholarship, if not all of his opinions. The spirit world has gained a new and powerful teacher, and I hope my ancestors who did not hear the Gospel in this world will gain much from his wisdom.
Peace and grace, peace and grace, and may God guide you gently home.
Whilst the Church rightly mourns the passing of our dear brother,those who have passed on before us may rejoice.
Another stalwart has joined the ranks teaching those individuals the true Gospel.
I hope that my parents will have the opportunity of listening to one of the greatest teachers of the 20th/21st century.
All great men can not die without some kind of conflict in their life in one form or another, but this must be said.. The works that Hugh Nibley has done will speak volumes for him in the next life as those of us in this life continue to search the scriptures and continue our journey with Christ at the head, Joseph as the restorer and Gordon B. Hinckley at the head today. Men like Nibley helped do their research and point us in the direction of the Church leaders. That was the direction he was going. Thanks for your life Hugh Nibley…. Dal Wiscombe Brigham City Utah