Political and legal figures offer praise

"I will always remember his concern for the less-fortunate and what a strong advocate he was for public service," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah. "He made the world a better place. ... The world and the Utah Democratic Party have lost an irreplaceable role model who taught us how to reach out to one another. As a community leader, President Faust was an inspiration for Democrats to get involved in public service. "

Wayne Holland, chair of the Utah Democratic Party, said, "His quiet and thoughtful counsel will be missed. We thank his family for sharing him with us and supporting his efforts. At this time our prayers are with them."

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the former leader of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, called President Faust "a close family friend."

"His kindness, his twinkling smile and his compassion will be greatly missed," Romney said. "He has been a blessing to our lives and to the lives of many others."

State legislative leaders also offered their thoughts.f+b

Utah Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said he has long looked up to President Faust and identifies with him.

"Like President Faust, I'm an attorney and I'm in the (Utah) Legislature, and I'm an active member of our church, as he was," said Valentine from Boston, where he is returning from a meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"We believed in many of the same things, and all of us are very saddened by his passing. A great part of our (Utah) history has moved on."

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, remembered President Faust fondly, saying, "It's been more than 10 years ago, at the dedication of the Matheson Courthouse, and President Faust gave a speech about how he hoped that the courthouse would be used to help the less fortunate among us, those who may not have access to the courts, but who should get redress through the law." President Faust "was not only a great example of a religious leader, but also a leader in the Legislature and in the civic community. He is a great leader and will be missed."

Leaders of Utah's legal community said they knew President Faust as a capable and caring attorney.

Former Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard C. Howe recalled being a first-year law student with President Faust.

"I met him the first day of law school," Howe said. "President Faust was an excellent lawyer. ... He had great poise and had great care and concern for his client. He wasn't just there to make money."

Current Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham said she will remember President Faust for his work in having the LDS Church's charitable arms help fund legal aid programs for the disadvantaged.