Elder Haight's life is celebrated

Elder David B. Haight, who at 97 was the oldest-ever apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was eulogized Thursday afternoon as a disciple of Christ who strived to reach out to and help those in distress.

He died Saturday, July 31, 2004, at his home, surrounded by family members, of causes incident to age.

During a 90-minute funeral service in the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square, family members and church leaders addressed the life and character of Elder Haight before an audience of more than 4,000 people.

LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley said that although Elder Haight's passing was not unexpected at his advanced age, he will be missed.

"He was the eldest among us," President Hinckley said. "I felt I had an older brother. . . . I'm left by seven years as the oldest of the brethren (now)."

President Hinckley said recent deaths in his life, including his wife Marjorie and two apostles, have created interesting and yet sanctifying experiences. He stressed life is eternal and that mortality is but a part of eternity.

"He was a friend to so very, very many. He reached out to the homeless," President Hinckley said. "When a missionary died in the field, he was quick to get in touch with the family."

While President Hinckley said Elder Haight was very wise in the ways of the world, he never let that stand in the way of dedicated church service.

He also recalled a life-threatening illness that Elder Haight had from 1989-90, though his life was spared and he went on to spend 15 more years in the service of others.

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the LDS First Presidency, said, "I loved him as a brother and cherished him as a friend."

He said Elder Haight was an honorable man of God, with no chink in his armor.

President Monson also read "Crossing the Bar," by Alfred Lord Tennyson, a favorite poem of Elder Haight and one that had been read to him by his request at his bedside during his final minutes of life Saturday.

President Monson recalled Elder Haight going out of his way to comfort people he didn't even know in their times of adversity.

From his humble beginnings in Oakley, Idaho, Elder Haight served ably in every calling in the church with his beloved wife, Ruby, President Monson said.