President James E. Faust dies at age 87

He was characterized as a high school football letterman, a husband, father, church leader and the "family Google" by the Brigham Young University Management Society when he was honored with its "Distinguished Utahn" award in 2006.

His daughter, Janna F. Coombs, called him "a great family patriarch," who teaches his children and grandchildren from the experiences of his "rich and righteous life," after he received that award.

President Faust's own humility and humor was also evident when he received that award:

"I'm sure that I don't deserve this honor," President Faust said in accepting the award. "But as Jack Benny once said, 'I don't deserve this honor. But then I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that, either.'"

In 2003, President Faust became the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.

He told society members that lawyers, sometimes accused of being greedy, should always put the interest of clients first. He recalled that, after covering his expenses, he earned a mere $3 from his first client, but never wanted for material things.

He also told society members that the laws of men are hardly enough for a civilized society to survive on. Those who keep the laws of God have no need to break the laws of men, he said.

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President Faust was born July 31, 1920, in Delta, one of five sons to George A. Faust and Amy Finlinson Faust. He learned early in life the value of honest work, both at home and at the farms of his grandparents in central Utah. When he was 3 years old, his family moved to a house on Norris Place in Salt Lake City and attended the 11th Ward.

During his formative years, he was influenced by many church leaders and teachers. One bishop, President Faust said, was T.C. Stayner who had two themes: Be honest and keep your word.

"He repeated those over and over and over. It got to the point where it was completely predictable, and a little bit tiresome, but the message stuck. I am grateful for a man of integrity who had that kind of influence on me."

Hunting and fishing were among his favorite leisure activities in his young adult days.

He met his wife, Ruth Wright, while attending Granite High. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1943.

The gospel was always an important part in President Faust's life, as well as that of his wife. "The church is our life. We have always honored the calls that have come to us because we know this is the Lord's church."

"I can't even remember when I didn't have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. I think this has been an inherent spiritual gift."