Following is an unofficial transcript of some excerpts of L.D.S. Church President Gordon B. Hinckley's remarks during Monday's funeral for shooting victim Donald Thomas, who was a church security officer.

Each one of us is disposed to speculate on why this had to happen. We find no answer. We wonder why one so desperately needed to be taken, while he is still needed. We do not know. The whole thing seems so unneccessary, so senseless.

There is much of speculation, but there is no adequate explanation, no motive of why the assailant chose to do his tragic work in the Family History Library.

This is a place where, for the most part, older people are found. They are engaged in a peaceful pursuit, a labor of love, that carries with it no spirit of hatred or emnity.

We search for an answer and do not find one. We wonder why one so urgently needed is gone, particularly by his wife, would be taken from our midst.

He frequently was on duty in the church parking facility, where I passed him as I went to and from my apartment. He always greeted me, always said 'Good morning,' 'Good afternoon.' He quietly served wherever he was assigned.

He was one of the older people in the church security department. He was a man of long experience, who knew what was expected of him and who met those expectations. But it was never expected that he would be asked to give his life as he handled his duty.

Impelled by a sense of duty, he stepped forward when the assailants shots were ringing out, only to be shot himself. He is the only instance of a church security officer being killed while on a tour of duty, except for a night watchman at the Arizona temple. He could give no more, he gave his all. Every one of us is in his debt.

The spirit in which he acted becomes the protection which all of us have whose safety is looked after by the security department of the Church. We expect those called to give protection. But we do not expect them to give their lives.

This terrible incident becomes a warning to all of ever-present danger. There are those with warped minds who somehow think they are appointed to a mission to destroy and kill.

It becomes apparent to all that a way must be found to keep the mentally ill from senseless acts of violence. You cannot have an indiscrimate allowance of firearms without abuses. All of us cannnot be held hostage by a few whose minds are sick and who lack judgement and reason. We cannot live and work in a bunker mentality. The very nature of our lives is based on our freedom to go and come while doing our work.

We of this Church and the entire community are deeply indebted to our security people and to our peace officers-- the Salt Lake Police Department-- and the many others who joined in this act. They acted so promptly and so efficiently in the circumstances to which they were called. We are mindful that their lives are placed in jeopardy. We are deeply greatful to them and wish them to know of our gratitute. But they should not be called upon to risk their lives because of circustances so unnecessary.

We are advised that the assailant's family knew of his illness and sought care. It is one thing to let such an individual go about freely in our society. But it is another thing to permit him to arm himself with an automatic weapon with which to cut down and kill should he feel so inclined.

The death of Don Thomas and Mrs. Patricia Frengs is far too great a price to pay for those who lack the judgement to restrain their impulses.

I speak for the entire Church when I convey my sympathy, my love, and my blessing to those who mourn the passing of Brother Don Thomas and Mrs. Frengs. I also convey our love and blessing to those so seriously wounded... Mrs. Leighton, Mrs. Webb, and Mrs. Weston. They have suffered greatly and we are thankful, every one of us, that they have survived their very serious wounds.

To those who were in the Family History building when all of this occured, and who suffered great and serious concern, who acted bravely and wisely, we extend our commendation and are greatful to the Lord that they were spared.

This entire episode was gruesome and terrible and we hope that we shall never experience another such thing again. It has brought our church security officers to a recognition of the fact that they face constant danger. We extend our appreciation and gratitude to each of them, and pray for the protective blessing of the Lord over them.

Now as I reflect on the life of Don Thomas, I come to the conclusion that we do not know the demanding burdens that so many people carry. They go about their work from day to day without complaint or criticism, before ever they arrive at work, they have performed demanding duties at home-- providing for those unable to take care of themselves, and working to ensure their comfort during the day while they themselves are absent.

We pray, Sister Thomas, that a way may be found to provide for you that which Don gave so generously and with such a full measure of love.

To your family we say that the time has come to stand tall, to assume responsibility and to carry burdens sometimes difficult to carry.

We pray that with all of the sorrow that is with this family that there may be a measure of peace and love and the sustaining power of the Lord. In all of these circumstances, there is only one true source of comfort, one source of reassurance. That source is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. When all else fails, when our hopes and dreams are shattered, when death strikes with certainty and finality, there is the voice of the Lord speaking to the sorrowing Martha, and to all mankind, 'I am the ressurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.'

God has not created us to be born into this world to grow and live and then die into oblivion. Don has gone. we do not understand it. But we have the faith to know that because of his going, others will be blessed. He will prepare a place for those he loves, and he will expect each of you to live worthy of that place.

There are no other words such as these words spoken by the Lord not long before his death: 'Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'

Don was a self-effacing man. He didn't crave notoriety or attention or anything of the kind. And I think he would look down on this vast congregation today and say, 'How come all of this for me?' It is because of our love and appreciation and respect for him.

May the assurance of the Reedeemer bring peace into your hearts and faith to guide your footsteps, as you look forward to lives bereft of husband and father, provider and protector. We share with you our testimony of the goodness of this, our beloved brother, who answered the call of duty, and while trying to save others was killed himself. God bless his memory and his example to each of us.