President Dallin H. Oaks was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 1984 and was called as First Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah, and was raised by his mother along with his two siblings after the death of his father.
While attending Brigham Young University, President Oaks met June Dixon and they married in 1952. They had six children. She died of cancer in 1998. President Oaks married Kristen M. McCain in 2000. He received an accounting degree from BYU and a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.
President Oaks was a member of the Utah National Guard, the Illinois National Guard, and the Army Reserve. He served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren of the U.S. Supreme Court, taught at the University of Chicago, served as president of BYU from 1971 to 1980, and was appointed a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, where he served until his call as an Apostle.
In honor of President Oaks’ birthday today, here are nine of his quotes from the past year.
1. Teachings of the Prophet
“I have known my dear friend, President Russell M. Nelson, for many years. During that time he has endured difficulties of varying degrees, but he has provided us with a remarkable example of how understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ can bring heavenly relief in our trials. …
I assure you that President Nelson not only teaches these truths but truly believes and lives them. Like him, let us find peace in our challenges by turning to our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
— Facebook post about the new teaching manual, August 1, 2024
2. Study the life of Jesus Christ
“Teach your missionaries to study the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to make His attributes their examples for mortality and for all eternity.”
— 2024 Seminar for New Heads of Mission, 22 June 2024
3. “This is his house”
“The teachings of the temple revolve around Jesus Christ, whose house this is. Everything taught here relates to our Savior. This is His house. This is His work and the work of His Father.”
— Inauguration of the Urdaneta Temple in the Philippines, April 28, 2024
4. Fill temples
“And by building a lot of temples, we are committing ourselves to be more diligent in teaching the doctrines of the Church, temple covenants, and worthiness so that we will be able to fill the temples in all the places where we build them, rather than just building them.”
— Church News Podcast, April 23, 2024
5. Temple Covenants
“By faithfully wearing our garments and keeping our temple covenants, we continually affirm our role as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
– “Covenants and Responsibilities”, General Conference in April 2024
6. The Savior comforts, heals and strengthens
“Because of His atoning experience in mortal life, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and empower all people everywhere. But I believe He does this only to those who seek Him and ask for His help.”
— Easter video, March 30, 2024
7. Resurrection
“The resurrection from the dead is the reassuring personal pillar of our faith. It gives meaning to our teaching, motivates our behavior, and gives us hope for the future.”
— Mesa Easter Pageant Cast Worship Service, March 23, 2024
8. Disciples of Jesus Christ
“Disciples of Jesus Christ listen to Jesus Christ. Sometimes He gives us a feeling, sometimes a thought, sometimes we hear His voice. President Nelson asked us to listen to our Savior.”
— From Friend to Friend, March 9, 2024
9. Wishes and decisions
“We have a loving Heavenly Father who will ensure that we receive every blessing and benefit that our own desires and choices allow.”
— “Kingdoms of Glory,” October 2023 General Conference
