David B. Haight

David B. Haight was born on September 2, 1906 in Oakley, Idaho. He was mostly reared by his mother and older brothers and sisters because his father died when he was only nine.

After graduating from high school in Idaho, David B. Haight went to Utah State University and studied business administration. He then worked as a personnel manager in Salt Lake City where he met Ruby Olson. The night David B. Haight had asked her out, she already had another date set for 8:00. Elder Haight wouldn’t give up that easily though, and asked if he could take her out at 6:00. They were married on September 4, 1930. They left the next day for California because David B. Haight had taken a job there.

During the next few years, the Haight’s were blessed with the arrival of two boys, Bruce and Robert, and a girl, Karen. When the United States entered World War II David B. Haight felt it was his duty to serve. He joined the U.S. Navy and played a vital part in organizing the movement of supplies to the Pacific. The war was a defining point in David B. Haight’s life. A significant moment came one night when he had to fly to Hawaii. His family accompanied him to the dock. He stayed up most of the night thinking about his life. “He realized that all that was of value to him he had left back on that dock. He felt his commitment to Church service had not been all it could have been. He promised the Lord that if his life was spared through the war he would accept whatever call came to him and do whatever it required.” From that moment on Elder Haight kept his word.

After the war the family moved back to Palo Alto where David B. Haight became the owner of a group of retail stores. He also became mayor. One person described Elder Haight's work as mayor in this way,

When David Haight was mayor of Palo Alto, he exhibited a vast amount of common sense and let the people envision their needs ten and twenty years ahead, his foresight, along with his integrity and credibility, helped Mayor Haight bring to fruition a number of civic developments and projects that serve Palo Alto’s needs today. But his warmth and goodness also helped him win friends for the Church. They grew to understand and respect the standards he lived by.

During this same time David B. Haight also served as the Palo Alto Stake President for 12 years. In 1963 he accepted a call to serve as a mission president in Scotland. Following this mission he served as a regional representative. In April 1970, David B. Haight was called to be an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. On January 8, 1976 he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When he received this call he stated, “My great concern is to fulfill my calling totally and fully, with all the ability I have. I know I have been blessed far beyond my natural ability.” Elder Haight served faithfully as an apostle until he passed away July 31, 2004 at the age of 97. He is remembered for his ability to train leaders, and uplift those around him.