Elder Merlin R. Lybbert, a former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Friday, July 6, 2001, in Salt Lake City.
Elder Lybbert, 75, worked as an attorney for almost 35 years before he retired to serve the church. As an attorney, he represented the University of Utah Hospital for many years.
He was active in the Utah State Bar Association and was elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 1981-82, he was named Utah Trial Lawyer of the Year.
He also was chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Utah Supreme Court on the Rules of Professional Practice.
Elder Lybbert was a member of the Quorum of the Seventy for 5 1/2 years. He was called April 1, 1989, and was released Oct. 1, 1994.
His next church calling took him to his home country of Canada, where he was president of the Cardston Alberta Temple from 1994 to 1997.
As a general authority, Elder Lybbert spoke in the April 1990 and 1994 general conferences and worked in many positions, including president and second counselor of the Asia Area.
He served as a missionary in the Eastern States Mission shortly after he graduated from high school.
He and his wife, Nola, were married on May 26, 1949, and then moved to Salt Lake City, where he attended the University of Utah. He received a bachelor's of science degree in law there and also a juris doctorate.
Elder Lybbert served as a mission secretary for 16 months then as a counselor in the mission presidency. He also served as a high councilor, bishop, stake president and regional representative.
Family members say he was known for his wit and stories.
Services will be at noon Tuesday at the Valley View Stake Center, 2245 E. 3900 South. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 South, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. before the funeral at Valley View Stake Center.