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.

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."

His church callings before becoming a general authority of the church included bishop, stake high councilor, stake president and regional representative. He was called as a counselor in his ward Sunday School superintendency at age 17.

When called as an assistant to the Twelve in 1972, President Faust said, "I'm not only humbled, I'm scared. I will need help, especially from the Lord, or I will be inadequate."

After being called to the Twelve, then-Elder Faust said, "I understand that a chief requirement for the holy apostleship is to be a personal witness of Jesus as the Christ and the Divine Redeemer. Perhaps on that basis alone, I can qualify. This truth has been made known to me by the unspeakable peace and power of the Spirit of God."

Later on in his address he pledged to God and the prophet "my life, and whatever energy and little ability I may have, fully and completely and without reservation."

He showed the same deep devotion to his family, keeping in regular contact with his children and grandchildren and leaving behind what family members agree is a rich legacy of love, faith and example. He and his wife, the former Ruth Wright of Salt Lake City, are the parents of five children: James H. Faust, Janna R. Coombs, Marcus G. Faust, Lisa A. Smith and Robert P. Faust. They have 25 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

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Contributing: Tom Hatch

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com