As he heard the ambulance in the distance, he lost consciousness and remained unconscious for several days. At that time, he said he entered into a "holy presence and atmosphere," where he was "shown a panoramic view of (Christ's) earthly ministry: his baptism, his teaching, his healing the sick and lame, the mock trial, his crucifixion, his resurrection and ascension."

In a voice filled with emotion, he described minute details of the Last Supper, describing "the washing of the dusty feet of each apostle, his breaking and blessing of the loaf of dark bread and blessing of the wine, then his dreadful disclosure that one would betray him."

Latter-day Saints regard members of the Quorum of the Twelve as Christ's living apostles who lead a modern version of Christ's original church restored to Earth through revelation by church founder Joseph Smith in 1830. Apostles are charged to serve as "special witnesses" of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

"During those days of unconsciousness I was given, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, a more perfect knowledge of (Christ's) mission," Elder Haight said. He continued to share that knowledge with church members around the world for the rest of his life.

High callings

After being sustained as an assistant to the Twelve on April 6, 1970, Elder Haight was ordained an apostle on Jan. 8, 1976, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Elder Hugh B. Brown. "My concern in embarking on this new assignment is how I can measure up," he said at the time. But he decided it was best to "just get in the harness and go."

Reflecting later on that calling, Elder Haight said he didn't have the words to relate the deep spiritual impressions that filled his heart as President Spencer W. Kimball asked him to serve.

"As I held this great man's hand and looked into his face, I knew in my heart and soul that I was in the presence of the Lord's anointed," Elder Haight said afterward.

That day, Elder Haight said, he reiterated the promise he had made to the Lord years before during a sleepless night on military duty in the Pacific: "I am completely committed to serve the Master, wherever I might be called to serve or whatever I might be asked to do."

Elder Haight was known for his good humor and love of people. He once counseled one of his grandsons, "The Lord isn't going to be concerned about whether you were a bishop, or stake president or apostle. He's going to be concerned about how you treated people."

Though ill health prevented him from speaking during the October 2003 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley told church members he had come to the meeting so he might wave and smile to let Latter-day Saints know of his love for them.