The seeming unfairness in the unexpected death of Latter-day Saint leader W. Mark Bassett, who oversaw the faith’s global missionary program, has challenged his family, his son Taylor acknowledged at his father’s funeral on Tuesday.

But his loved ones have found comfort in the following passage from “Preach My Gospel,” the missionary manual for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“All that is unfair in life,” the guide says, “can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

That is “the best line in the whole book,” Taylor said, according to a news release.

Family, friends and faith leaders gathered at a North Salt Lake meetinghouse Tuesday to remember Bassett, who died May 11 from a “traumatic brain injury” while with his family in St. George. He was 59.

“Mark’s death took us all by surprise,” apostle D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the governing First Presidency said. “In many ways, he was so on time that it is hard to imagine he would be needed more anywhere than here. But I believe it’s so.”

Much of Bassett’s church service focused on missionary efforts. As a young man, the California native went on a full-time mission to Guatemala. From 2007 to 2010, he and his wife, Angela, led a mission in Mesa, Arizona.

In 2016, he became a general authority Seventy and worked in the Missionary Department beginning in 2019. He had spent the past three years as its executive director.

Bassett’s tenure coincided with a record number of convert baptisms of more than 385,000 in 2025. That same year, the church announced plans to add 55 new missions in 2026, the most since 2013.

“He found great joy in being with missionaries throughout the world,” the obituary from his family stated. “His ministry was defined by his gentle manner, clear faith, and sincere desire to help others come unto the Savior.”

That missionary focus continues even in death, his son said. Pointing to the church teaching that “faithful elders” preach the Latter-day Saint gospel in the next life, Taylor said his dad, in essence, “has not been released from the Missionary Department.”

“Elder Bassett’s life was a model of hard work and strength,” said a letter from the First Presidency to Bassett’s wife, Angela, which was read aloud by apostle Quentin L. Cook. “He demonstrated love for the Lord throughout his life as he spent time in selfless service to his family and his fellow man. He leaves a legacy of light, personal integrity, kindness and commitment to righteous living.”

Bassett was buried at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy. He is survived by his wife, five children and 15 grandchildren.