Monte Nyman Fall 1997

http://rsc.byu.edu/authors/nyman-monte-s

We don't have a narrative of what Brother Numan spoke of. We can surmise some things from a look at his history.

Nyman has served in the Correlation and Translation Committee. He has written several books including Great Are the Words of Isaiah, An Ensign to All People and The Most Correct Book: The Book of Mormon. An expert in ancient scripture. "He and Isaiah are in a deep conversation as we speak," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote in a letter read Friday at Nyman's funeral. He said he had loved and admired Nyman for more than 40 years and they used to argue over who loved the Book of Mormon more.

"I love his fun-loving little quips he told," said Acting President of Southern Virginia University Richard Whitehead. "He was always polite and kind to everyone he met." Whitehead said he had a knack for convincing others to become interested in the scriptures, particularly the Book of Isaiah, which many find difficult and a confusing read.

"He understood the deep values, and it made him want to read it and learn more," Whitehead said. "He taught that you have to understand the people who wrote the book and Monte [Nyman] has made that exciting for me. "Everybody loved him," Ridge said. "They had a house on campus, and it was named the Nyman House." Along with SVU members, colleague of Nyman and professor of church history at BYU Richard Cowan sincerely appreciated Nyman and the work he accomplished during his time as director of Book of Mormon studies. "He had the reputation of being able to take care of delicate matters and do them well," Cowan said. Cowan also said the way he taught about the scriptures was impressive to all those around him. "When he led discussions for teachers of the Book of Mormon, the fact that he was so definitely well-prepared and was able to expound the teachings of the doctrines so clearly is something I am happy to remember about him," Cowan said.

Whitehead said those who knew Nyman will remember a spiritual person who also loved to tell stories and laugh. "He loved to have fun," Whitehead said. "He always had a joke, and he always had a story to tell. It was a privilege to know Monte."

Mom of 8 from Hyrum, UT said: "While he was everything people have written about him, Monte Nyman was also one of the sweetest, kindest men I ever met. I knew him at SVU--and his darling wife--and thought I'd never meet a more gentlemanly and silly man! He was a rare combination. He could crack a joke, then suddenly make an insightful comment about a gospel question. You never knew what would come out of his mouth next, but it was always accompanied by that ever-warm smile."