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Robert Harbertson Obituary
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.
Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Harbertson
Nancy Perkins Alemany
November 15, 2019
Meeting this man as my mission president was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life up to that point. I was a new convert of only 3 years when I entered the mission field. He was a wonderful father figure and example to me. He was exactly what I needed to continue my growth in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The things I learned on my mission, I still remember and refer to 40 yrs later. I had two mission presidents while serving as a full-time missionary, President Harbertson was the one I served with the longest, I will ALWAYS be one of President Harbertson's missionaries. I love this man. Thank you, President Harbertson for your decision to accept the call of mission president for the California Fresno Mission.
Gerald O Robinson
December 6, 2014
Dear family, all of you. I just learned about the passing of Bob and am saddened that I did not attend his funeral. I loved him and your mom,Norma. They are dear friends and I am happy they are together again. Theirs is a wonderful love story!
They brought all of you to my office for eye care and I learned to love all of you. Used to watch you kids walk down 1130 North on your way to school at Tolman elementary. You are a wonderful family and have a great heritage to follow.
Bob married my 5 daughters in the SL Temple and your mom was kind enough to attend each marriage. What a team they are and the Spirit World will not be the same with them working together again.
I express my love to all of you and know how much you will miss him, but I can"t say I am sorry He is gone as I lost my wife 2 years ago and know how happy they are to be together again.
Much Love, Geb Robinson (Dr. Gerald Robinson)
Lois Mulholland
November 28, 2014
My love & prayers are offered to the family of this great man. I am full of gratitude for all you good people. I have known our former Mayor & former Stake Pres for some time & knew of Pres Harbertson opening the Fresno mission. How wonderful it was to hear Elder Harbertson's testimony at a recent Stake Conf. Now I have my own copy of it. I was grateful to attend the viewing & hug & speak with some of the family. The funeral was inspirational. The snake story has been a favorite of our children & us. Now we know who told it. I have enjoyed the talks & articles I have obtained on the computer the last few days. Thank you all for being the good people you are & the example to us all of living lives patterned after our Savior.
Barbara Winder
November 27, 2014
Dear Rene,
We are so sorry for your loss. You were such a great team and we loved working with you in the Nauvoo temple. With all "Elder" Harbertson's experiences and accomplishments, he was never too proud to accept even the most menial assignments, and complete them cheerfully. He was a cheerful person. You both are, and I especially remember your homemade bread, which was good enough to put a smile on anyone's face. We loved serving with you and getting to know you. We are so sorry we were unable to attend the service, which I'm sure was wonderful. May the Comforter continue to bless you and bring you peace.
Our love always, Rich and Barbara Winder
Randall Deppe
November 27, 2014
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the Harbertson family. Serving (77-'79)under President Harbertson taught me obedience, love for all people, and have a good laugh! Truly a great man. We always sang "Come Ye Children of the Lord" at leadership and zone conferences, that sounded like angels from heaven the spirit was so strong! Thank you President for touching my life for the better. You love and will miss you sir!
Brett Sower
November 25, 2014
President Harbertson was my mission president and had a great influence on my life. His kindness to my mother when I fell ill on my mission will always be remembered. He was a giant!
Michael Burton
November 25, 2014
President Harbertson was a huge part of my growth in the Gospel as I served with him opening the Fresno Missionm Oct 75 - Oct. 77. Too many memories to go through. I will never forget him, his spirit and that unique voice that I could always recognize. I love him for the service he gave and because I know he love every one of his missionaries. I maintained contact off and on ever since my mission. I dropped in to introduce him to my wife. To drop in his home, to see him as he served in other capacities. His was a life of service. What a man. He is one who will hear the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant!" Well done. Prayers of comfort to the Harbertson family. Thanks for sharing him with so many!
Vincent Saunders
November 25, 2014
Robb, Scott, Your dad was a great man who touched all of us who chanced to be in his presence. Think of how happy he is now that he has shaken off his mortal coil and is rejoined again with his dear Norma. An example for all of us to pursue and be like. God Bless all of you and your families.
Paul Allen
November 25, 2014
Many times you may not know how far reaching your influence is. Elder Harbertson's strong testimony and example was a great influence and inspiration on many for good. I had an opportunity to interact on a few occasions with Elder Harbertson while I was a student working with LDSSA at USU. His testimony and witness of the Savior, strong character, and wise counsel strengthened my testimony and resolve to live the gospel. Thank you for sharing Elder Harbertson with us. He was a great man whose love and influence will continue on.
Milon Neilson
November 25, 2014
Our sincere condolences on the passing of a great man. Sorry We are not able to make the services, just a problem of time and distance.
Matthew Asay
November 25, 2014
Rene, I am so sorry about Bob. You have been through many troubled times. The Lord will bless you for this. My condolence to the whole family. I am sorry I could not make it to the funeral. I am in Australia right now. I own a business there and also have a home there and Salt lake and New York. My businesses are thriving. I will be in SLC for Christmas. You were a very wonderful mother in-law. I love you very much. And you will be in my prayers always.
November 24, 2014
Dear Rene and family, I just wanted you all to know how sorry I am for your loss. What an amazing man Robert was. He was such a wonderful example to all who knew him. I will never forget the first time I heard him tell his snake story. It was years before we moved to Farmington. I heard him tell the story I think I heard it on the radio. It had such a profound impact on me that even though through the years I couldn't remember who told it I could still hear his voice and the way he told it. It wasn't until after we had lived in Farmington for quite a few years that I learned it was him! I loved his Sunday school lessons, he was a wonderful teacher. What a privilege it was for us to rub shoulders with you all and live in your neighborhood! I know he will surely be missed. Love you all for the hand of friendship you offered to us and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you all with peace and comfort during this time. Love, Jackie Moffitt
November 24, 2014
Dear Rene..... I have been thinking about you since I saw Rochelle and Kent at the Berkeley Bunch reunion a couple of weeks ago and she told me Bob was ill. Reading about him in the D. News, I had not realized who he was or what he had done in his lifetime! Shame on me. I send my love and sympathy, and join so many others in a prayer that you will find comfort in his (and your) accomplishments, and what we know of where he is now, relieved of pain and earthly cares. Much love... EHK
November 24, 2014
Dear Norma and Family: We send our condolences and love to you. Bob was a great leader and father years ago when we took the Explorer's on the Snake River. God bless and comfort you and your family. We hope as is well with you. Paul and Jean Hanks
Dave Hicks
November 24, 2014
Life is enjoyable when you can cross paths with someone who can lift you. Robert Harbertson is such a person. I first crossed paths with him during a fireside in Okinawa Japan, 1984. During this fireside he brought to life Jacob, chapter 4: “looking beyond the mark.” His manner of speaking was such that his remarks have stayed with me all these years.
The next time our paths crossed was during service as a Winter Quarter Temple worker. I appreciate his leadership as I served in the temple. Again, I express gratitude when I have the opportunity to associate with those who possess Christ like attributes.
November 24, 2014
To Elder Harbertson's Family,
Representing all the Missionaries who served in the Alaskan Mission from 1987 to 1989 we we extend our love and sincere feelings of appreciation for sharing your Dear Dad with us while he was serving in the North American Northwest Area Presidency. I was called as the Mission President there in 1987 and he guided us all through the next two years. We all loved him and learned so much from him. He made several trips to Alaska visiting Stakes and touring the several locations where missionaries were serving. He always stayed with us in the Mission Home and brought his Sweetheart Norma. We traveled together and had the pleasure of being with them for extended visits because of the size of the Mission. He was not only a tremendous teacher but became a Dear Friend to all of us. His famous Blue Planners for missionaries will be held in their memory files forever.
Our deepest sympathy for for the loss of his temporary companionship. We will all have the Blessing of seeing him again. We Know! He taught us !
Jim Fogg
Alaska Mission President 87-90
November 24, 2014
Elder Harbertson was our Regional Representative while we were students at Utah State University. I loved to listen to him speak. Not only was his voice captivating, but his messages hit home and the Spirit that accompanied them caused those messages to stick with me through these many years. I still remember hearing him tell about his school years and how poor they were. He said they would drive to the summit of Sardine Canyon and then turn the car off and coast down the other side to save on gas. His messages were about family and living the Gospel even during the poor years of schooling. And I will never forget his story of the young brave and the snake as he related it to sin when he said, "You knew what I was when you picked me up." I can hear his voice as clear as day when I think those words. Thank you Elder Harbertson for your faith and testimony and the picture you painted of how to live a faithful life full of meaning and purpose!
Clifford D. Daines
November 24, 2014
Elder Harbertson and Rene I will not be able to attend the funeral service today (Monday the 24th.) I have meetings with the U of U pianos area at my store. As you remember Elder Harbertson worked at Daynes Music for a short time. He was in charge of getting Rodgers Church organ deals. He would call Bishops or Stake Presidents that were in need of an organ for a new building using his BIG voice and say "this is Elder Harbertson…I trust you will be ordering a Rodgers organ for you new building!" He couldn't play the organ and did not know much about them but got more business than we ever had. Rodgers was the Church favorite and was named the "Deseret" model. His friendship and influence was invaluable as I had a son just paralyzed at Lake Powell and was just appointed as a Bishop at the U of U. I will miss him as will all of the Daynes friends. We loved his kind personality and his firm handshake coupled with the big Harbertson voice. Skip Daynes
November 24, 2014
I served as Stake President in the Puyallup, Washington South Stake and Elder Harbertson was in our Area Presidency. It was always a delight to have him come to Stake Conference. We would pack the building. Our young son was on the high school basketball team and so Elder Harbertson went out of his way to discuss basketball with him and told him of some of his experiences he had hadat Utah State. He was terrific. A good friend, a good leader, a good man.
Dennis Sampson
November 24, 2014
I served as Stake President in the Puyallup, Washington South Stake and Elder Harbertson was in our Area Presidency. It was always a delight to have him come to Stake Conference. We would pack the building. Our young son was on the high school basketball team and so Elder Harbertson went out of his way to discuss basketball with him and told him of some of his experiences he had had at Utah State. He was terrific. A good friend, a good leader, a good man.
Dennis Sampson
Nancy Perkins Alemany
November 24, 2014
I will always remember Robert B Harbertson as President Harbertson. He was a great man and had a great impact on my life as I served as one of HIS missionaries in the California Fresno Mission. I am a better person for having known him and served with him.
Marvin & Karen Ludlow
November 24, 2014
We were sadened to learn of the passing of Robert Harbertson. We enjoyed working with President and Sister Harbertson in the Winter Quarters Temple.
We are gratefull for the influence they had in our life.
To Rene, we express our sorrow for your loss, but we know Bob is in a better place. May God bless and comfort you as you adjust to life with out him.
We also celebrate the life a good man who has moved on the be with Our Father in Heaven.
Marvin and Karen Ludlow
Maxine Smith
November 23, 2014
I'am so saddened by the passing of your amazing father.
I knew him when he was the bishop of the 13th ward.
I use to tend you kids all the time when your mom and dad had all there meetings to attend too. In fact when Lisa was little she wouldn't go from me to them.
I remember your dad telling me not to accept any babysitting jobs unless I checked with him first to see if they needed me.
It was heart breaking for me when you guys moved to Bountiful I felt like I had lost my second family.
And Norma she was such a special person also I remember coming to stay at your house in Bountiful for the weekend and your mom took me to see my first Beach Party movie.
I loved them both dearly as I did you kids.
Such great people and examples for us all.
When my son was going on a mission to Russia back in 1993 I was very concerned about it so I called your parents to see if I could come and talk to them at temple square about my concerns. They assured me he would be in good hands, which helped me a lot with that decision.
As a teenager and mother I respected them both so much, they were my friends and I will never forget them and all they did for me.
I'm so sorry for your loss but I'm sure your dad and mom are together again.
My thoughts and prayer are with you at this difficult time.
November 23, 2014
In premortality, when God heard the future Bob Harbertson rebuke Lucifer for trying to usurp authority, I think it must have been difficult for Father to decide in which dispensation he should be born. With his powerful stance and voice of authority Robert could well have stood as a spokesman for Moses. He was well situated to be a companion of Alma or Amulek in preaching the atonement to the Lamanites. Coming in this dispensation his remarkable and clear message of salvation has reached far and wide and thousands more were influenced by his testimony that would have been possible in any other dispensation. Truly the Lord is in charge.
Learning at his feet when he represented the Twelve in teaching a few stake presidencies at time was a rich blessing we won't ever forget, nor will we overlook the influence he left in our home through his many visits. His sealing of four our eight children touched our lives yet again. In Winter Quarters temple we had warm visits and testimony as we sat in his President's office and then did an endowment session together.
His fervent testimony was much greater than even his passion for winning basketball games. And will remain with us into the eternities and ever will we be grateful for how he blessed our lives.
Warren and Alta Burton – Providence, Utah
Bruce Jardine
November 23, 2014
As life unfolds their are those who wield such an influence as to change your life eternally. President Harbertson has been and continues to be such a person in my life. His smile, voice and most importantly, His love and direction are etched forever in my heart. I seem to hear his voice often as I serve Elders and Sisters in the California Sacramento Mission. Our hearts and prayers are with His family at this time as they reflect on a life that has changed many for good.
(Fresno 1975-1977 Currently serving Sacramento
CA.)
Kevin Heaps
November 22, 2014
I will be forever grateful for the influence that Pres. Harbertson has had on my life. My prayers are with the Harbertson family.
Elder Denis Avery
November 22, 2014
There are people who come into your life that change your life forever, and President Harbertson was one of those people. During my mission he was larger than life in so many ways. My prayers are with the Harbertson family and thank you all for sharing your father with so many who loved him dearly.
November 22, 2014
We knew the Harbertsons when they served in the Fresno Mission. My parents also worked with them because they lived in the same ward. We moved to Orem later and in 1997 I served with Renee in the Suncrest Stake YW Presidency. Our family has been blessed by our associations. We send our condolences to Renee and Pres. Harbertson's Family.
Paul and Donna Myers
November 21, 2014
Years after my mission, I was walking through the LA airport...I heard a deep voice - a slow cadence - pronouncing every syllable - ELDER WILKES. I knew who it was...taught me to always be doing what was right because you never know when you might see your mission president! I will miss that voice.... (Brad Wilkes Fresno '76)
Kay Thomas
November 21, 2014
He was truly a God send... He was a great man and PRES. (as I affectionately addressed him) he always smiled and replied...yea THOMAS. Ill miss his hugs and smile... I served from July75 to July77... Love Elder KayThomas
November 21, 2014
Rene, thank you for so lovingly and unselfishly taking care of him. The Lord bless you for giving all you had..
I love you uncle Bob. Thanks for your life-long example. Well done. I will miss staying at your home, the stories, the laughs, the phone calls..
When we talked a couple weeks ago, we reminisced of our infamous 2 on 2 game. Bryce and I will look forward to further games with you and dad, until we meet again on the other side... I love you.
November 21, 2014
So sorry to here of the passing of such a great man, I served in Fresno back in 1977-79,what a great president he was, he had a great impact on my life and always will. Someday hope to get another one of his missionary hugs. Wendell Shaw
November 21, 2014
We loved being across the street from Bob and Rene when we served at the Mormon Trail Center. Our love and condolences go out to you Rene and to Bob's family. Our prayers our with you.
Terry and Kristen Chipman
Harold/Marie Hymas
November 21, 2014
Sister Harbertson we were sorry to hear of Brother Harbertson passing. We do celebrate with you his life...both of you had such a sweet influence on our lives as we served together in the opening of the Nauvoo Mission.
Harold and Marie Hymas
Shanna Payne
November 21, 2014
I love you grandpa
Brenda Carlos
November 21, 2014
We loved President and Rene. They became dear friends when out paths crossed in Omaha. We have many happy memories with them! We will always cherish those memories. Our love and prayers are with your family.
Rudy and Brenda Carlos
janet McIntosh
November 21, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss,will always remember when we served together in the Winter Quarters Temple. Hugs &prayers!
November 20, 2014
President Harbertson will forever have a special place in my heart. I served as a missionary on Temple Square under President Harbertson from 1991-1992. I was then blessed to have President and sweet Norma travel to Portland Oregon in 1996 to seal my husband and I in the Portland temple. I am so grateful for his example and the great love I always felt being one of his missionaries. President will be greatly missed. Laurie Steenbakkers Checketts
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