From Deseret News archives:

President Faust served more than two decades on Deseret News board

Published: Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 4:16 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
A keen interest in people marked President James E. Faust's long service on the Deseret News board of directors.

Former publisher Wm. James Mortimer still recalls what President Faust told him in his first days on the job.

"When I was appointed publisher he took me aside and said, 'The thing you want to do to succeed is put your arms around the people.' I'll always remember that good advice he gave me," Mortimer said.

President Faust's ties to the Deseret Morning News go back four generations. His great-grandfather was a Pony Express rider who also wrote some stories for the paper in its early years.

His service on the board spanned 26 years, from 1970 to 1996. He was serving as vice chairman of the board and chairman of the executive committee of Deseret News Publishing Co. when he was named Second Counselor in the First Presidency in March 1995.

Mortimer said he's sure President Faust looked at the financial statements and other reports, but he always was interested in the workers' welfare.

"He'd see a byline, and he'd ask me about that particular person," he said.

Story continues below
Former board member Marie Hafen recalled a delicate matter that came before the board involving an employee. President Faust, she said, was clearly concerned about repairing the situation in a fair manner.

"He cared about the employee who was at a disadvantage," she said.

President Faust had a "largeness to his soul." He applied gospel principles with thoughtfulness and had a "kind of passion in his compassion," she said.

Former board chairman L. Glen Snarr described President's Faust service at the paper as "wonderful."

"He was very important to the Deseret News board," Snarr said, describing him as a wise leader. "He really had a good head. We really appreciated his input."


E-mail: romboy@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

This is just weird that they can destroy Wyoming like they did and then just...

35-7 before the half...ouch! Poo-tah!

Let's see if you hold TCU to 3 points the rest of the way you did as well as...

What up with the picture. I was going to comment the article could not be...

Let's take it to the Broncos, we have nothing to lose.

This was no "nail-biter", the Aggies were in control the whole game and were...

WOW IDAHO DOES OWN UTAH!!! GO BRONCOS!

Wow you sure are intelligent, ahhh the win from Wyoming was last week not...

Letters: Christian founders

The idea that anybody else but you is capable of interpreting the...

I miss the days with Malone, Stockton and Hornacek, those guys were injured,...

Advertisements
Advertisement