Deseret News | President James E. Faust dies at age 87

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President James E. Faust dies at age 87

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Nick Newman-South Jordan, UT | 7:59 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

Not only was President Faust a humble, kind man whose teachings should be emulated by all (read his talk on forgiveness again and his last article in the Ensign... you can never go wrong), but, like most of the First Presidency and the Twelve, had a humor that was completely his own.
My favorite memory of President Faust did not come from General Conference or the Ensign, but from something he said in the Church film, "Special Witness of Jesus Christ".I will never forget the first time I heard his testimony of the Savior while he was walking on the old foundation stones of the original Nauvoo temple. His humility was amazing. He emphasized that he was an ordinary man, with an extraordinary calling, then bore his testimony of Jesus Christ. My hair still stands on the back of my neck when I remember how he said that while he cannot speak of experiences deeply sacred, he said he knew of a certain surety that Jesus Christ lives, while staring directly into the camera. Look at his eyes. He knows. He probably has seen Him.
One of God's mouthpieces regretfully has passed, but thank heaven he is in a better place, where he can have a joyful reunion with those who have gone on before him...

Samuel Puchoc | 8:13 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

I love to the servant of the Lord. President James E. Faust. he was like a Dad for me in every Conference when i listened his words.
my family and I love you. and praye with your family.

Familia Puchoc Lavado

Henrique Vepo | 8:26 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

Pres Faust, He was loved by the Brazlian people, He served the Lord with all heart and his power, He knew us, we will miss him. Our condolences for his family. We pray for them be conforted.

Vepo Family - Florianopolis/SC - Brazil.

Comments continue below

Sister Caroca From Chile | 8:47 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

Thanks elder Faust for you extraordinary work in the church. We love, elder
Blessing for your family, from Chile.

Escober Family, Philippines | 9:02 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

We will miss President Faust and his teachings. He has been an inspiration and a great example for all fathers in the world. We thank God for his life of service and commitment.

Anita Burbano | 9:09 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

I love President Faust, I love his his perfect example of goodness, kindness, happiness . He is a Holy man and Iï¿½ll miss him forever but my heart will always be greatful for his graet teachings.I pray for his family to feel peace and comfort.

Stoddard Family | 9:13 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

Truly a great leader who was given what appeared to be a new lease on life when called to be Pres. Hinckley's counselor. I met him in 1990 when I brought a group of Soviet dignitaries to Salt Lake City. The Church requested to host them at a luncheon. Elder Faust, then not of the First Presidency, was our host. He told me he was the host because he was the only member of the 12 weak in health so he had to stay in town. Self effacing as usual. But he looked so weak. When he was called to be in the First Presidency I couldn't help but be shocked by how much better he looked. And, in fact, he looked far better these past 15 years than that day with the Soviets in SLC. We're grateful the Lord nourished and revived this good and talented leader.

Elizabeth Botar | 9:34 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

President Faust taught by example of how to live a life focused on God and family and he touched us all and he will be deeply missed. I heard him give a conference talk once, years ago, and his love for people and the Lord shone on his face and his voice rang with the truth of his convictions. We are all blessed in that at least his words are still with us. My deepest condolences to his family.

Makati 1st Ward | 9:43 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

President James Esdras Faust has been a perfect instrument of Jesus Christ. We will Never forget His teachings. (",)

Andrew & Blaire Ostler | 9:47 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

We were blessed to have him for all these years. What a great leader he is, we loved hearing him speak. What a great example he set as a true apostle of our Savior. May the Lord bless his family at this time and may we always remember the teachings of this great man.

Dorothy Corralez | 9:55 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

I joined the church in 1998. President Faust has been a guide and a comfort to me over the years. He always inspired me to live a better life, in a quiet, gentle way. I remember watching one of my first General Conferences and he related the Flexible Flyer story. One of my all time favorites. I have it in a binder and read it every Christmas with my family. He always had a way of showing us how to live the gospel in ways that were doable. I will miss him. My love and heart go out to his family and all that mourn his passing...He was truly a man of God.

bob p | 10:03 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

I've never had a grandfather in this life, if i had the chance i would loved for president James Faust to have filled the empty spot in my heart for a loving grandfather, i will miss his kind and loving spirit, this last conference talk on forgiveness was one that will touch my heart forever truly was a apostle and prophet, I'm thankful for the conference dvds, i shall always be able to see him and listen to his inspired words, we love you,and pray for the spirit of comfort and peace to be with your family.

Chris | 10:03 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

This is so sad. I just flew home and found out. What a sad day indeed.

Denise Maseuli, Rescue CA | 10:04 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

What a great man! He was such a great speaker with such a soothing voice. I just loved hearing him speak so sweetly about his wife. Wow! I'm so happy for him that he's with her now. He will be missed here.

Tom Owen | 10:08 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

President Faust's most recent comments on forgiveness will be words many of us will always remember. A man you could tell was forgving of all.

Bruce Osborne | 10:19 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

We never did meet in person, but I felt very close to President Faust when he gave his talks. I will surely miss seeing him and hearing him in the next general conference. He was one of my favorite speakers. I will never forget his last talk on forgiveness. I will miss him dearly, but I will remember him always.

Sidney Ward, Dayton Ohio East Stake

Howell Family | 10:36 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

How great it is to have the 12 aposiles guide us all thank you pre Faust for serving a great misson on earth and loveing us all.you will be missed we love you and your family.

Kathy England | 10:39 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

I love President Faust! We will all miss him and remember his humility, kindness, sweet humor, forgivness and peace. My love and thanks goes to you, Sister Faust and your family! May the Lord comfort and bless each of you.

Jensen Family | 11:13 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

My love for the gospel was fueled by his general conference addresses. Our family and I will miss him greatly. We send our love and sincere gratitude for the entire Faust family. May the peace and comfort of our Lord be with you always.

Elder & Sister Whipperman | 11:33 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

We were saddened to hear of the loss of President Faust. What a wonderful, Christ-centered life he lived!
He was always a perfect example to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his outstanding family. Please know of our love and respect for this great man. Rijeka, Croatia

I love Des News | 11:38 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

Thank the Lord for Deseret News. I went to CNN and Yahoo News and what do I get about President Faust? Nothing. Nada. Zip. It's hard enough being on the east coast away from my family--but to only find out through the Deseret News makes me mad. If the Pope gets a cold it's world news. I'm saddened by how other news companies in this country ignore such a great man.

Thanks for the wonderful coverage Des News. Love the new website.

Catherine | 11:48 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

We never meet but i know he is really a prophet of God. His messages were so profound and has blessed me and my family too. Pres. Faust was indeed a great Leader. I really love to hear his messages.

David Paul, Northern Calif. | 11:58 p.m. Aug. 10, 2007

It's sad that President Faust has moved on to the
next world. He set a Great example for all of us
here in this life. He was a very dedicated leader who spoke with a voice of Authority with Gentle Kindness.... A very warm and humble person. I'm sure his Great talents and warmth will be a blessing to those in the Spirit World and beyond. God Bless his family at this sad time and God Bless his Legacy and our memories of him for individual guidance.

Diliana | 12:39 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I will truly miss President Faust so much! What a great man!

Reuben Dunn | 12:57 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I had the priviledge of seeing Elder Faust at Ricks College in Rexburg Idaho(as it was known) while on my mission in 1982.

I can remember the strong testimony of the Savior and the many references to his sweet wife.

This was an Apostle, a Prophet and Seer of the Lord Jesus Christ.

T. Booth, Colorado | 1:50 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I thoroughly savored the words of his First Presidency messages, especially the one on Forgiveness at General Conference. I know I will miss President Faust, as will the entire church and all those whom he has so influenced and touch. My love and prayers go out to President Faust and his loved ones at this difficult time....

Bernard Doddema | 2:31 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

You will be sorely missed, President Faust! You've been an inspiration to me as you handled your disability with dignity while I still struggle with mine own. Your family is in our prayers.

Fabricio, Salvador, BA, Brazil | 5:44 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Your words and life have been an actual example of living the Gospel and putting our Saviour in the centre of every decision. Your boldness to defend the gospel is the greatest characteristic of your own. I love you.
Till we'll meet again.

Anynomous, Tennessee | 7:45 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

As a convert, I always looked forward to General Conference for several reasons. President Monson was a great speaker who will be missed. Just think of the welcome that he got at the pearly gates!

Kathryn | 8:01 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Pres. Faust had a gift for saying important truths in a memorable and wonderful way. I have truely come to love him more each year as I hear him speak. Several of his quotes are on sticky notes posted in our home. Thank you, Pres. Faust!

The Montelongo Family | 8:04 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thank you for all the talks you gave during the conferences. Till we meet again President Faust.

MIGUEL GARCIA | 8:09 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

HE WAS TRULY A GREAT MAN AND A GREAT APOSTLE.WE WILL MISS HIM IN COLOMBIA AND SOUTH AMERICA. HE SAID BY IN THE BEST WAY IN APRIL CONFERENCE TEACHING US ABOUT FORGIVENESS

MIGUEL GARCIA
FIRST COUNSELOR BISHOPRIC
VERSALLES WARD- CALI COLOMBIA

Vaughn family | 9:26 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

We are sorry to hear of the passing of President Faust. We pray that the Spirit be with his family during this difficult time, and that they may find peace and comfort knowing he has returned home to his Father in Heaven... and may he enjoy the company he is now blessed to be a part of! A wonderful example of what we all should strive for in this life!

Seabass | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Hi! I love Pdte. Faust he shares his love and words and witty love. He shared his words and I love the scriptures! Grace!

Dolores Jenkins Robinson | 10:13 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

His life has been an encouragement for me. He will be dearly missed. I will never forget his encouraging words to uplift and calm my soul.

Tiffany | 10:29 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

The world is a greater place because he was in it. He is surely encircled about in the arms of our Savior!

Saxey Family, WA | 10:31 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Sister Ruth, We wanted you to know that we are saddened by the loss of President Faust, but know he was a good man, a kind man, a real gentle-man. We had the occasion to meet Pres Faust a couple of years ago at a Church Auxilliary meeting. In fact, we attended this mostly social gathering because he was the Keynote Speaker. He was lively, spirited and fun, and spoke to the Doctors directly about thier value in serving others unselfishly. Later, he sat with us at our table for dinner and was so kind to everyone in the room who obvioulsy were touched by his message. We know he is feeling a measure of rest, the Saviors love and the joy that only comes from serving as he did. We will miss him, his messages, his voice, his kindness.
We extend our hand to you, oour prayers for your family as you honor his passing, and as your family misses him too.

alan pool | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

que dios le bendiga eternamente presidente Faust, lo quiero mucho.

Alicia Flores | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

thanks for been a good example of discipleship to all the world, we truly will remember you in our hearts.
you propably still working after pasing the veil.

JORGE P�REZ BENITEZ | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

DE VERDAD SIENTO MUCHO LA MUERTE DEL PTE. FAUST, Y SOLO PIDO QUE SU FAMILIA PUEDA RECORDAR QUE EL AMOR DEL SALVADOR ES GRANDE, Y QUE TODOS LOS QUE QUEREMOS AL PTE. FAUST, TENEMOS LA OPORTUNIDAD DE VOLVER A SALUDARLE Y VERLE O AL MENOS ESCUCHARLE, PORQUE SUSU CONSEJOS SIEMPRE NOS AYUDARON Y GUIARON AL IGUAL QUE LOS DE LAS DEMAS AUTORIDADES. MI Mï¿½S SENTIDO PESAME PARA LA FAMILIA Y QUE EL SEï¿½OR LES COLME DE BENDICIONES Y RECUERDEN QUE EL PTE. YA ESTA AL LADO DEL SEï¿½OR GOZANDO DE SU REINO Y SU PRECIOSA PRESENCIA.

unknown | 11:31 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

im so sad everytime i listen to coference i here him

Rand Family | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I never met President Faust, but knowing his son, Marcus faust, our bishop, I feel like I know him very well. Him and his family are such a great example to my family. We feel privaleged to know and interact with them.
Our hearts go out to his family. Hopefully one day we will meet him on the other side at the gateways of heaven.
With much Love,
The Rands

Tumu and Vaelua Purcell Family | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

What a great loss for all of us, but we know that he is in a better place and that he continues to serve on the other side of the veil. We will miss him greatly, especially to see him and listen to him speak during general conference. What a fine example and leader! Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Faust family, and know that you are all in our prayers at this time and always. God bless!

Alofa tele,

Purcell Family - Laie, Hawaii

Casey Cosgriff | 2:32 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I was greatly impressed when he and Elder Maxwell humbly and self-effacingly entertained questions from the audience at a priesthood leadership meeting 5 years ago. President Faust shared how Elder Maxwell was engaged in a personal ministry beyond his own calling in visiting those who were sick with cancer, and that he (President Faust) was also visiting with non-members in his neighborhood up the canyon as an extra-ministerial good will "hometeaching" effort. I'm sure that all our deceased Apostles are encountering many more friends with equal compassion and good will on the other side of the veil.

Jason Johnson | 3:15 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I have been blessed to have seen President Faust speak on several occasions. He will be missed by all. My prayers are with his family and all those who love him as I do.

amreekie | 3:24 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

President Faust once said: " If I could be remembed for three things in this life after i die it would be:
1) A good husband.

2) A good father.

3) A good deciiple of Jesus Christ.

He achived those three things. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Luiza Becari | 3:53 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I will miss Pres. Faust more than I can say. He touched my heart so many times and in ways nobody ever did. His words always touched my soul and made me feel special, eventhough he didnï¿½t know me at all. He made me feel that I can do anything I set my mind to do, and that no obstacle is ever too great if we have the Lord on our side. I met him many times over these 35 years in the church, and always felt the spirit with him. Although he is gone from this earth, he will always be in my heart.

James Broom Ayr Ward SCOTLAND | 4:11 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

It is with great sadness I write these words. I have had a disturbed feeling within myself since the early hours of Friday morning, only to find out that Pres. James E Faust has passed away. I feel a great sadness for his family, I pray that the lord will bless them and comfort them. I pray that I will be a third of the man he has been, my love and condolences to all his family.
From James Broom 1st councelor E.Q.P. Ayr Ward

Edenilson Cerqueira(Brazil) | 4:49 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

O Pres. Faust servio missï¿½o no Brasil.Para mim ele foi um brasileiro.TODO NOSSO POVO ï¿½ GRATO POR TUDO QUE ELE FEZ PARA CHEGAR-MOS MAIS PERTO DO PAI CELESTIAL E SUA IGREJA. FONTE DE INPIRAï¿½ï¿½O A TODOS MISSIONARIOS BRASILEIROS. ORO POR SUA FAMILIA E OS MILHï¿½OES DE AMIGOS QUE COMO EU CHORA A SUA MORTE, MAS FELIZ POR ELE VOLTAR A PRESENï¿½A DE SEU MESTRE JESUS CRISTO.

Carolyn Smith, North Olmsted War | 5:52 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I was very touched by President Faust talk at General Conference on the "Power of Forgiviness." I teach R.S. fourth Sunday and as I was studying his talk again to teach the sister an over powering feeling came over me to send a copy of his talk to my Aunt Nellie (not a member of the church) who has not spoken to her son in twelve years. When I was visiting with my Aunt in May she told me that she and her husband had just finished with their will. She proceeded to tell me she was not leaving one penny for her son and there was to be a closed gasket so her son Fred could not see them. I didn't know what the battle was all about between my Aunt, Uncle and cousin but I felt impressed to write her a letter along with the talk. My Mother who comes from a family of twelve have tried for twelve years to stop the battle. My cousin is now suffering with lung cancer and doesn't have long to live. In the letter I told my Aunt and Uncle to read President Faust talk and whatever the battle was about to forget it and move on. I told them I loved them and how much their son needed closure at this time. Two weeks after I wrote my Aunt she responed with a letter thanking me for my concern and was so touched by my pleding for them to get back together that they took the first step and took their son out to eat on Father's Day. She told me they never spoke of the past but would visit regularly. Oh, how grateful I am for President Faust example and the power of his talk. We will miss him. My deepest sympathy on your great loss.

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President James E. Faust dies at age 87

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Reader comments President James E. Faust dies at age 87

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President James E. Faust dies at age 87