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Remembering President James E. Faust

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Shaun Williams | 3:50 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
I am impressed with the life and times of President James E. Faust and the insight the article gives only confirms the love and admiration and great respect I had for President Faust. I know that he will be greatly missed by the entire church who unitedly loved him and even now hold his memory dear to their hearts in both thought and prayer.
Michelle Olsen | 5:40 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Some years ago, I ran into President Faust in the line at the Lion House cafeteria. I was working as a camp counselor and ten or so girls and I were eating lunch there. President Faust took time to speak with me and the girls. He was genuinely warm and genuinely caring. He had time to be kind!
Matthew Sherlock | 5:57 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
What a wonderful article. Truly a remarkable man. They broke the mold when they made President Faust. May the Lord be with his family. We Saints in Canada are mourning this loss as well. God be with you til we meet again!
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 6:24 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Elder Faust was a great world religious leader, with wisdom and strength that transcends denominational affiliation. His recent discourse on "Forgiveness" is one of the great sermons in Christendom, and is a shining example of one of the fundamental principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rest in sweet peace, James Faust -- you have fought the good fight.
Brent Burgoyne | 7:23 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust is a superb example of how men grow to their full stature if they will just let the enabling power of the Atonement work on them. I have carefully studied his life and I love him for living as he did and for enduring to the end. God bless you, James Esdras Faust!
Duane L. Madsen | 7:28 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
The phrase when a great man dies a library burns is so very appropriate. Our loss is great but the rejoicing is greater.
Ralph Becker | 7:51 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President James Faust was a spiritual giant. As a Memory Grove resident we got to know him as Jim, a kindly gentleman who daily walked through our neighborhood and park, interested in the lives of all of his neighbors; only later, from someone else, did we learn of his stature. He was always quick to laugh, share humble wisdom, and join in neighborly gatherings. When Memory Grove was rededicated following the '83 floods and reconstruction, we shared an ongoing joke by having me give the invocation and him give the dedicatory remarks. In his inimitable way when I was a little intimidated by the task and asked him what I should say, President Faust said, "Awww, Ralph, just speak from your heart and you'll do fine." His memory in Memory Grove and everyone he touched will always live on. Representative Ralph Becker
Gemma Godivala | 8:27 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust's profound wisdom and gentle demeanour will be missed all over the world. Our prayers are with his family and his brethren.
Gilvan Moreira | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Queria Expressar meus sentimentos a respeito da morte do irmao James E. Faust.
Deixo minhas condolecias a sua familia.
Lou | 9:21 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust, or Uncle Jim, in all his roles was a great man and a spiritual giant. He treated me, and my children as family (even though it's my wife that's the true angle and relative). He was always open to a visit or a phone call. He often counseled me in the kindest gentlest way. If I didn't know better it would be easy to mistake his words for friendly conversation. He visited with my teenage daughter in his office in a meeting that still brings tears to my eyes. I didn't tell him why we came to visit him but before the end of the meeting I knew that his eyes were opened and he provided the answer to my unspoken prayer. I'm not a Utah Morman and I've always felt that Elder Faust was a true latter-day saint that fit his proper role as a special witness to the entire world.
Richard Bowman | 9:22 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust was an articulate and kind man whom I have admired for years. I grew very fond of him after reading a number of his books and listening and reading his conference talks over many years. He truly was a wise and skillfull teacher. I can't help but wonder how President Hinckley feels about the loss of his good friend of many years. What a great example he was of enduring to the end. I, for one will miss him a lot!
Anonymous | 9:38 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust had a way to attract the attention and concentration of our children, especially our sons. He could always arrest their attention. WhenI asked why, they all said; "because he is real, I believe him because he is interested in me". None of my children have met him, but they know him. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Tom Chambers | 9:53 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust was a Great American, but most of all he was a humble man. He was such an example to all the youth in the Church. He loved the Lord and his fellow man. He was always ready to help and give a hand to all who needed him. To Dave Markum I would say, I give arats about this Great Person and know that he has pleased his Heavenly Father and gave his life teaching The Great Plan of Happiness.
To President Faust family I say we loved him and will miss him greatly
Sanford Loobins | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
We miss you President Faust. Stay busy and we'll see you when it's our turn. Thanks for your example and good works!
Melissa | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Isn't it sad that people can't be respectful at the time of someone's passing. President Faust was a wonderful man and leader with compassion for EVERYONE, even Dave Markum. He was a husband, father and grandfather...they deserve respect in their time of mourning. If this was the Pope or another leader of a religious group they too would deserve the same respect.
Angel Youngblood-Chick | 10:40 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust what a great example of a husband,father and Grandfather nothing more needs to be said . He made the grade as a man by excelling in these areas all other works pale in comparision. If more men in this world achieved this then this world would be a better place. Love of family and God are all it takes to be great. President Faust was GREAT because of this. My prayers are for those left behind as he journeys forward to his reward.
Rui Caputi Ruz - Brasil | 11:16 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Um grande lider, um �timo exemplo de pai e chefe de fam�lia. Vamos sentir SAUDADES de um dos maiores brasileiros que j� habitaram essa terra.
Kathleen Paul | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
President Faust always had such a twinkle in his eyes when he smiled. I loved all of his conference talks so much. I especially remember one he gave about how to be happy even when terrible trials come our way. His testimony that we can be happy if we love God and his Son Jesus Christ as we keep our covenants to serve them has been my strength in times of difficulty. May his family be comforted now and forever.
Bill Little - Texas | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
We love and miss you President Faust!
G�bor Balatoni | 11:57 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007
He is no more here to defend himself. And he wouldn't do it, for he knew what was most important. If nothing more, we can still love him for the human he was in this life. Great example for me personally.
Levi | 12:19 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Well, whatever your beliefs, he now KNOWS (and I mean KNOWS - not believes, hopes or thinks) the 100% truth doesn't he?
Cheryl Pierce | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
He is a great man and as a convert I was very inspired by his wonderful spirit and gentleness and kindness. My deepest sympathies to family and friends. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Robert Jones | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
My heart is overwhelmed with a deep abiding love for one of my best friends. Even though I never knew this divine man of God; Every time I ever heard him speak, I felt as though I knew him personally, because I knew he was always speaking directly to me; as well as counless souls. Every time he would say the 3 special words of "I love you", My eyes would become warm; as well as my heart, because I knew with a surety that his love was real. I have always considered him to be one of my best friends; and much like "Dad". I love him more sincerely, than words can describe; and I will miss this wonderful friend who I know as "Elder" James E. Faust. I pray the Lord's Choicest blessings to be with his sweet family; as they go through the process of a temporal farewell. God bless you all, and remember... Families are Eternal! Love, Robert
Adimilson Velozo | 1:45 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Sentiremos a falta dos conselhos do Elder Faust.

Sabemos do amor que ele tinha pela obra, e tamb�m o empenho que ele dedicou a ela.

Sabemos que ele tem um lugar especial, nas ma��es celestiais ao lado do Pai Celestial e de Jesus Cristo, junto com os outros Profetas e Apostolos.

Que possamos nos Suds, fazermos a nossa parte neste curto periodo de tempo que temos aqui na terra, para sermos merecedores de um dia, podermos voltar a viver na presen�a de Deus e Jesus Cristo, juntamente com os grande lideres que por aqui passaram.
Charlene | 1:58 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
How can we have a First Presidency Christmas Talk in December without him? I loved his stories about when he was a boy at Christmas. They were always so tender and sweet. To imagine him as a little boy with his description of a yearned for toy, only to steer the focus to a Gospel message appropriate to the season. I will miss him and his sweet personality so much. His last article in the Ensign, about Singles, shows a sensitivity and compassion for those who live every day with heartache. What a wonderful example President Faust was to the world and to the Church!
Defender of a Human | 3:57 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Elder Faust was just that--a human, and it is really important that we celebrate the life of someone who chose to do things with his life that made the world a better place for so many people.

So much of our time is spent discussing humans who didn't channel their time and talents in directions that blessed others.

To be cynical about President Faust's life of service is sad and I hope that we can all find the good in everyone and everything around us.

Mary | 4:25 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Our Prayers and Heartfelt Love goes out to President Faust's family. He Truly is the Example of Christlike Love and Concern that each of us understand and use in our daily lifes., or at least we should! We have been Blessed to have heard his many talkes and we are better peoole for knowing President Faust. Thank You to Him and His Family. May Father in Heaven Bless His Family at this time. "Families Are Forever" and we know that they will be together again in the Eternities. He has always been an inspiring influence in our lifes as my husband served in a Bishopric at age 23 and then as a Stake President in the 1980's and again as Bishop in a Senior's ward with us being Senior's ourself's. Life is Fragile!..Live each day as if it is our last: Be Kind, Considerate and Understanding as this dear Servant of our Father in Heaven has taught us.
WIth Love and Friendship Eternally..........
jorge reynoso | 4:27 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
ELDER FAUST HA SIDO DE GRAN INFLUENCIA EN LA VIDA DE MUCHOS EN MEXICO, SU VIDA ES UN GRAN Y DIFIL EJEMPLO POR SEGUIR.
Elias - Curitiba - Brasil | 5:12 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Foi um grande lider. Foi um dos primeiros mission�rios aqui em Curitiba. Seu sonho de termos um templo em nossa cidade est� perto de tornar-se realidade. Sentiremos muito sua falta na dedica��o de nosso templo. Minhas condol�ncias � familia.
Jarom & Sarah Webster | 5:12 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Rest in peace President Faust. You are missed by many, including me and my wife. Our sincerest condolences to the Faust family.

To the bitter few that spit on his grave: how pathetic that you lack respect for one of your fellow men. Enjoy your misery.
L Larson | 5:14 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
To Mr. Markum and Mr. Steadman,

I have to admit to a measure of ignorance regarding the culture in Utah, but I found your comments disturbing. If James Faust was merely, as you put it, "human," your comments, sirs, were insensitive at best. If he was indeed as well regarded and respected as the other comments seem to indicate, your remarks were naive as well.

Then the question begs--if he was indeed what he professed, a spokesperson for a living God upon this earth, your comments gentlemen were, most profoundly, foolish.

The wisest of men can state, with confidence, their beliefs without needing to denigrate the beliefs of others.

We would all be fortunate to leave this life with a fraction of the love and admiration this man has garnered.
Aaron | 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Mr. Markum, what is the purpose of being here? Obviously a lot of people give a rat's. Yes, he was human, but you wouldn't feel the need to point that out if this were any other message board. Stop trying to provoke anger in others who are mourning for someone they loved.
Pres. Craig & Karma Burtenshaw | 6:03 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Our love and condolences goes out to the families and associates of Pres. James E. Faust, as we knew him best by that name. His hugs of embrace were full of love of the Savior, his voice was strong and yet ever gentle as he bore solemn testimony of Jesus Christ, and how a young boy, Joseph Smith saw and heard Him and the Father. One memorable time for our young family of six was when we had an exchange student from Brasil, named Lilianne. He came to Ricks College for a Regional Conference, just prior in being Pres. Hinckley�s counselor. After the meeting he graciously stayed for all to shake hands. When he got to our non-member exchange student, he stopped and for 2 minutes bore a powerful testimony to her of our Savior. Tears were shed by her and from all as we felt the spirit of God through his words, although we knew not the language it was spoken in.
We love your father, grandfather, husband. He truly is wrapped in the arms of our Savior. He will be missed by all, but his kindness and love and testimony of Jesus Christ will go on forever.
Pres. Craig A. and Sis Karma Burtenshaw of the Philippine Olongapo Mission
Maria Postle | 6:04 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
My Prayers and best go out to President Faust's family, We will miss him very much. I have enjoyed his conference talks, they were truly spoken from a man of God. Even though we know the Church is true, It hurts to lose one on this side of the vail. Our hope is that we will live the kind of life we should, so that we can be with our loved ones forever. May God Bless you always in the love of the Lord.
Melvin Frances | 7:05 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Mr. Markum and Mr. Steadman

Your comments are disgusting and unacceptable. I forgive you.
Duane Hansen | 7:12 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Here out East, we always enjoyed his warm smile and pithy talks at conference time.

God Bless his family and loved ones.

We all have been inspired by this giant of a good man.

Cary, NC
Kim Myers | 7:38 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
It is too bad that when a forum like this one is provided to allow those who have feelings about a wonderful man and leader speak their feelings and unite in mourning (as people do about ANY human being), that someone anxious to get attention interrupt with heartless thougths like Mr. Markum did. Let us feel the loss together. There are times and places for his kind of talk, but this isn't it.
E McEwen | 8:26 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
Thank you L Larson for your wisdom. Your comments reflect the patient kindess and tolerance that Elder Faust tried to teach us.
Leigh in Georgia | 8:53 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
It seems that during such a tender time of loss and sadness, the editors could choose to delete the hateful and hurtful comments such as those that have been added. Mr Markum and his cohort must not have lost a loved one, or they would find a more appropriate response to such a situation.
LVD | 11:00 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007
If the world had more people like President Faust, we would not have the problems that now exist and divide us. He was a loving man who stood firm in his beliefs, never to waiver. May God be with his family, and friends in this time of mourning, yet also rejoicing in knowing where he is and what he is doing.
Rusty & Danielle Butler | 6:42 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
We have been with President Faust on several occasions over the years and can make this statement: President Faust embodies love. He exudes love pure and simple -- the love of Chirst. May his family be comforted.
Charles McHaley | 2:20 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
In his eyes and in his voice I have seen and heard the Savior. Such tender love I can never forget.
Carlota Uchi | 10:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
i had a sweet dream the night before Pres. Faust died... i wasn't shock nor surprised that it wolud happen...i understand the plan...Pres. Faust will be dearly beloved...
"it's not goodbye but rather see you again"
Lotlot | 10:26 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
The memory of his sweet face will always remain in heart and mind....he will always be a dear teacher, leader and a friend...
Robert Just | 11:15 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Toronto, Canada. While I am not a member of the LDS faith, I had great admiration for President Faust's delivery of an address. I have listened to several general conference sessions he conducted and was always fascinated with the many captivating stories he wove into his talks. I particularly enjoyed the many recollections of his wartime experiences. When general conference time comes in October, I shall definitely miss his vibrant voice. I shall tune in to the service tomorrow. Thank you for such a thought-provoking tribute!
Brent Massey | 3:17 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Littleton Colorado.One Stake conference, years ago, President Faust was passing through the crowd shaking hands and conversing with us. While shaking my hand he started talking to others and stood there holding my hand for a couple of minutes while he talked. His eyes were alive and bright while he talked. I loved it and have never forgotten that moment. I felt blessed for that moment. I'm not a young kid like you would think hearing this, I'll be 60 next month. He has been my favorite general authority since that time. I will miss that man. Thank you president Faust for being such a man as you were and are. HUMBLE, ever so HUMBLE.
Susie Hodson | 4:45 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
We've lost a great man - in both his secular and sacred lives. I have always enjoyed his talks and articles. He loved the Church. He lived the Church. He will be loved and missed by many until we see him again. President Faust, have a pleasant slumber until we meet again.
Dawn R. in Idaho | 7:40 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
I will greatly miss President Faust, although I didn't know him personally. I enjoyed listening to him at General Conference when he addressed The Lord's People. May the family who is left behind at this time be comforted to know that he has graduated on to bigger and better things. He is now working hand in hand with the Lord and Jesus Christ.
Don Wells in Colorado | 11:08 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Many years ago I was privileged to attend a meeting presided over by President Faust in the San Francisco Bay area. At the time of the meeting, my bishop was a bit disappointed in me because I had worn my dress cowboy boots in honor of President Faust. Before the meeting and just after my Bishop complained that I should have worn my "other" dress shoes. After the meeting we had the opportunity to meet President Faust and speak to him. With my Bishop right by my side I walked up to President Faust and introduced myself. Before I could continue, President Faust looked down at my boots and said how nice they looked and said he wished he had worn his because they were very comfortable. He stated that he liked my taste in footwear and that he liked mine very much. Needless to say, my Bishop was very embarassed. None of the other men who came with us that day would let him live that moment down. From that day forward I always had a special place in my heart for President Faust. His testimony and teaching will be missed here on earth, but those who have moved on will be able to benefit from his knowledge and wit. I will miss him very much.
Fam. Werve-Macias from Honduras | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
As we all LDS members knows, he's now in a better place than this, we loved him because of the great example he was for everyone here in Honduras. My condolences to his family, even though they know they'll see him again. We appreciated him and of course, his teachings will last forever, this is how we will always remember him!

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