August 12, 1974

Kirk James and I spent a wonderful day with Dad, one of the finest visits ever. He is now 84 years of age and very sharp mentally as well as physically. His ability to work is unbelievable. He arises at 3:30 AM and works from 4:30 AM until noon. He has 8 people working for him. My sister Ruth directs the office force. He told us that he paid $135,000 in income for last year. His contributions to the Church are also larger. He indicated that his contribution to the ward budget alone was over $12,000 last year. If his longevity is any indication then I may be living quite a while yet.

            After we had attended church Dad told us some events in his life that bear recording and will be interesting and edifying for those who read about him in my journal.

            Dad told us that he attended the funeral of Carmen Smith in the past few weeks. Ezra Taft Benson, who is President of the Quorum of the Twelve and one who may become the next President and Prophet of the Church; also a nephew to Carmen Smith spoke at her funeral and he asked to see Leland David Anderson (my father) as soon as possible. When Dad sought him out Pres Benson greeted him with outstretched arms and indicated his high respect for my father. He asked Dad if there was anything he could do for him. Dad replied – “When you become President of the Church then call me to be your 1st Counselor”. Pres Benson replied – “There isn’t a better man that I could find.” Then he said: “Do you remember the Weiser incident?” and Dad said yes, he surely did. When President Benson was President of the Stake MIA in Boise Dad was called as one of his counselors. A man had absconded with $260 which had been raised for an MIA function. Pres Benson sent Dad to Weiser to recover the funds. A Bishop told Dad in a meeting the destitute circumstances of the involved person and how he would be unable to repay the money. All of a sudden, Dad saw red and told the Bishop – “Bishop, I want you to get the Go*-Da** SOB in my office with that money on Monday or he will go to jail”. The following day, Pres Benson called Dad and said “What happened in Weiser?” and “What about your language?” Dad replied: “I guess in my anger I called on the Lord in a forceful way”. The next day, Pres Benson received a check for $260. [See Aug 21, 1974 entry for a follow-on to this story/entry]

[editor note: this entry was shortened]