Til We Meet Again, Brother Harbertson

Robert B. Harbertson, a seasonal member of B7 Ward for many years, passed into eternity on Tuesday, November 18 at his home in Farmington.  He was 82 years of age.  Born in the Great Depression, he learned his skills, his love of God, family and self all which guided him in the manner in which he conducted his life.   A star athlete in his youth, he led the Utah State University basketball team to the national championship of the 'Holiday Classic' tournament held at Madison Square Gardens and was named All Conference and Small All American. 

After college, he served in the U. S. Army stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco as 1st Lieutenant in the 505th Military Police Battalion. Later he joined The Horsley Company as a sales engineer and ultimately became president of THB, Inc. a family-owned business. During his professional pursuits and as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he was called at age 26 to serve as Bishop of the Kearns 13th Ward. Later assignments included Priest Quorum Advisor, a member of the Young Men General Board, President of the newly formed California Fresno Mission, and a Regional Representative. In 1984 he was called as a General Authority of the Church and served in the 1st and 2nd Quorums of the Seventy where he served as Managing Director of the Missionary Department, counselor in the North America Northwest Area Presidency, Counselor in the Asia Area Presidency and Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency. He later served as President of the Temple Square Mission in Salt Lake City, a mission with his wife during the opening of the Nauvoo Temple, as Gospel Doctrine Teacher and as President of the Winter Quarters Temple.

He and his first wife Norma Leone Creer reared a family of 5 children which resulted in 21 grandchildren and 21 greats.  In 1999, after Norma’s death, he met and married Rene Rhead.

Of all the titles he has earned, gained or had been given, Husband and Dad are those he has aptly and sacredly filled and which have left a legacy - a pattern and a pictorial - to be safely and securely followed.

His quiet and gentle demeanor and his strong testimony will be missed among the members of the B7 Ward.