Robert D. Hales

Life and service

Hales combined ecclesiastical responsibilities with a background in professional and civic pursuits. Prior to and alongside his full-time church assignments he participated in business and administrative roles. As a general authority and then an apostle, he served on councils that shaped church policy and provided counsel to local and global church leaders. He traveled extensively in the United States and abroad to meet with congregations, strengthen church programs, and represent the institution on various occasions.

Teachings and emphasis

Through sermons, public addresses, and written statements, Hales focused on topics common to Latter-day Saint leadership: faith, family life, personal discipleship, and service. He often urged members to strengthen family relationships, cultivate spiritual habits, and participate in welfare and humanitarian efforts. His talks were delivered in meetings and conferences and were intended for a wide audience within the church community.

Roles and activities

• Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a leading council in church governance.
• Service as a general authority with supervisory responsibilities over regions and programs.
• Frequent speaker at general conferences, regional gatherings, and other church events.

Legacy and notable facts

Hales is remembered for steady leadership, pastoral instruction, and commitment to the institutions of his faith. His death on October 1, 2017, at a Salt Lake City hospital was noted by church leaders and members who reflected on his decades of service. He is frequently cited in discussions of late 20th- and early 21st-century leadership within his church and is part of the historical record of the Quorum of the Twelve.