By Jacob Conde
For the second time in two weeks, spectators filled the Tabernacle to say goodbye to another apostle, Elder David B. Haight.
Elder Haight died on July 31, just 10 days after Elder Neal A. Maxwell. Elder Haight was 97 years old, the oldest living apostle in church history.
President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, summed up the thoughts of many in his remarks.
'To lose them both within 10 days is a great personal loss to me,' he said. 'I wonder if Elder Maxwell was having trouble without his old seat-mate.'
Elder Haight and Elder Maxwell sat together at Quorum meetings since 1995. Now, a pair of empty chairs, side by side, are stark reminders of their recent passing.
The crowd was slightly smaller and more subdued than during the services for Elder Maxwell. The doors to the Tabernacle opened at 11 a.m., and people continued to enter the building until noon, when services began.
Elder Haight''s wife, Ruby, entered the building supported by her son Robert and her daughter, Karen Huntsman. She and Elder Haight would have been married for 94 years in September, a feat many speakers highlighted in their remarks.
Jon Huntsman, founder of the Huntsman Cancer Institute and son-in-law of Elder Haight, said the Haights were an example newlyweds could look to learn from.
'Every young couple begins with a song in their heart to emulate David and Ruby Haight,' Huntsman said.
In addition, Huntsman also spoke about Elder Haight''s virtues and talents, as well as his relationship with his father-in-law.
'Elder Haight was not complicated or difficult to figure out, he loved all men,' Huntsman said. 'His outgoing and warm personality put everyone at ease.'
Elder Boyd K. Packer, acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, also spoke words of comfort to the numerous family members of Elder Haight.
'Death is an essential part of life,' he said. 'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Elder Packer shared many experiences and examples of Elder Haight''s humor. At the Quorum''s weekly meetings in the temple, Elder Haight used to say, 'Stand aside. Here comes the old guy now.'
Following Elder Packer, Elder Haight''s son Robert spoke to the crowd. He talked about Elder Haight''s wartime experience. Elder Haight was a commander in the Navy and helped make a plan to get supplies to troops fighting in the pacific during World War II. In addition, Robert Haight also shared his father''s advice to his family the day Elder Haight was called to serve as an apostle.
'He looked all of us straight in the eye and said ''Whatever happens in this life, never deny the existence of Jesus Christ,''' he said.
Following a musical number by the choir, 'O Divine Redeemer,' each member of the First Presidency spoke.
President Faust praised Elder Haight''s love of service and devotion to duty.
'He has influenced directly thousands and thousands,' President Faust said. 'His greatest work was among people, as a devoted disciple of Christ.'
President Monson''s remarks were brief, and told the story of how Elder Haight met his wife, Ruby Olsen. Elder Haight was at a dance in Salt Lake when happened to see Olsen. He was apparently so impressed with her he asked his date to introduce them. The socially strained situation worked out in the end, and as President Monson said, 'the rest is history.'
President Monson concluded by expressing his love for the departed apostle.
'I loved him as a brother and cherished him as a friend,' he said. 'He has gone to that paradise for which he is so well-suited.
Finally, President Hinckley spoke to the crowd. He shared a personal experience he had with Elder Haight. About 15 years ago, Elder Haight lay dying in the hospital. Impressed by the spirit, President Hinckley rebuked the destroyer and said Elder Haight had work left to do on the Earth.
Months later, Elder Haight spoke with the Twelve in the temple. He said during his time in the hospital he had spoken with heavenly beings and was allowed to view many things, including the Savior''s ministry, the last supper, his suffering in Gethsemane and his crucifixion. He told them he had a renewed feeling to preach repentance and baptism during the time he had left.
President Hinckley praised him again, and said his goodbye.
'Was his passing unexpected? No,' President Hinckley said. 'But oh, how we shall miss him. David, my dear older brother, farewell for a season.'