L. Glen Snarr was a quiet man, a man of gentle nature and natural kindness.

But don't mistake quiet kindness and a gentle nature for a patsy or a pushover. Glen understood the business world. He understood people. He understood how to get something done — well.

That combination, almost dichotomy, of character and ability allowed Glen to leave a distinguished, yet down-to-earth, imprint on Utah, Salt Lake City — and the Deseret News.

As LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson said of Glen, he "was not outspoken, but when he did speak everyone listened."

Glen was a gentleman — in every sense of the word — and the kind of man with whom, no matter the reason, it was a pleasure to associate. Certainly, we wish there were more Glen Snarrs in the business world today.

The Deseret News Publishing Co. is just one of many institutions that is far better today because of Glen's able and tireless work. Glen's association with the Deseret News dates back to 1942. He was a reporter and editor and eventually served on the board of directors for 29 years, including nine years as its chairman. Glen died Jan. 5, 2009. He was 87.

Glen chaired the Deseret News Publishing Co. board during a pivotal time. Having long published in the afternoon, the Deseret News was suffering, as were most afternoon newspapers, from declining circulation. Glen, in a way that, perhaps, only Glen could have done, earned the respect of, and forged a relationship with, the new owner of the Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News' partner in the Newspaper Agency Corp.

Dean Singleton, CEO of MediaNews Group and a well-respected leader in the newspaper business, was that "new" Tribune owner. He credits Glen with moving the Deseret News to morning publication and credits that move with, essentially, saving the newspaper.

At the Deseret News, we're grateful not only for what Glen did for this paper — but that we were blessed to work alongside him.