Robert Harbertson

The life of each who lives becomes a tapestry whose pattern and pictorials disclose the choices, the abilities and experiences of that life. The tapestry of the life of Robert B Harbertson is a pattern of priority to God, to family and to self. Every life is unique, individual and purposeful, and such is the pattern woven throughout the 82 years of his life.
Born April 19, 1932 to Brigham Y and Gladys L Harbertson, his childhood, cropping out of the terrible effects of the Great Depression, provided life-long skills and motives in the manner in which he managed and conducted his life. As the son of a mortician, “Digger” Harbertson – as he was known through high school – became a star athlete excelling particularly in basketball where he ultimately was recruited by Utah State University. In his senior year he led the 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.
Life after college professionally led him to service in the 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 the President of a family owned business, THB, Inc. During his professional pursuits and as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he was called upon to give service in many other ways. At the age of 26 he was called to serve as Bishop of the Kearns 13th Ward. Later assignments included Priest Quorum Advisor, Member of the Young Men General Board, President of the newly formed California Fresno Mission, and Regional Representative. In 1984 he was called as a General Authority of the Church and served in the 1st and 2nd Quorums of Seventy. During that service 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.
On September 30, 1953 he married Norma Leone Creer in the Logan LDS Temple and in time became the father of 5 children (Robert, (Vicki) Scott, (Kristen) Shawn, Lisa (Robert) Payne and Marci (Theron) Simpson) which role, notwithstanding his athletic, professional and service achievements, marked his life as the greatest of all. In 1999 Norma passed away and he married Rene Rhead by whom he is survived. The influence of a righteous, loving father cannot adequately be measured by worldly standards, but forever will be evident in the lives of five grateful children and the posterity of 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Of all the titles he has earned, gained or 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.
Funeral services will be held Monday November 24th 2014 at 11 am at the Farmington North Stake Center, 729 W Shepard Lane Farmington, UT. A viewing will be held Sunday evening, November 23rd from 6 to 8 pm and prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the same location. Interment at the Farmington City Cemetery.
The family request that in lieu of flowers a donation could be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund.