Draper, Utah
April 27, 1924 ~ July 13, 2013
Vernon Bradford Romney, who served two terms as Attorney General of the State of Utah, died on July 13, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Vern was Attorney General from 1969 to 1977 and was the Republican candidate for governor in 1976. He was Highland City Attorney from 1977 to 1992. He also practiced law with the firms of Romney, Nelson, and Cassity, and later with Romney, Madsen, and Cummings in Salt Lake City. From 1950 to 1955, he worked on the staff of Senator Arthur V. Watkins and as an attorney for the Federal Communications Commission.
An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vern served as bishop of the Colonial Hills First Ward at the same time he was Attorney General of Utah. He also served on the high council of the Hillside and Highland Stakes and as Patriarch of the Highland East Stake and the BYU Fourteenth Stake. He was a missionary in the Eastern States Mission from 1948 to 1950 and later served with his wife Patricia in Charleston, West Virginia, from 1997 to 1998, and in La Jolla, California, from 2001 to 2002.
Vern fought in World War II with the 96th Infantry Division in the Leyte and Okinawa campaigns.
After the War, he earned a degree in political science from the University of Utah in 1950 and then graduated from George Washington University Law School in 1955.
Vern filled his life with enriching activities. He was a member of the Highland Kiwanis Club and was the Grand Marshall of the Highland Fling. An avid BYU sports fan, he traveled to most BYU games and made a habit of visiting college football stadiums while traveling. As a former reporter for the Deseret News, he remained a lifelong news junkie, often reading several newspapers a day. A devoted jogger for most of his life, he completed the St. George Marathon when he was fifty-eight. He started keeping a journal as a soldier in World War II and then continued writing his life story for many years, finally completing it in 2011. In later years, he spent much of his time reading biographies.
Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. He was never too busy to talk with and help his children, whom he took with him whenever he could, including when he was Attorney General. He was full of wit and wisdom and kept his sense of humor to the end of his life.
Vern was born on April 27, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Vernon Romney and Lois Bradford Romney.
He was married to Patricia Pingree Romney in the Salt Lake Temple on December 29, 1951. They were married for over sixty-one years. Humor and laughter were constants in their relationship, making it steady and strong. They are the parents of six children: Robyn Romney Evans (J. Robert), Redlands, CA; Vernon Frederick (Rick) Romney (Yevon), Orem; James Bradford Romney (deceased) (Sharon); Douglas Pingree Romney (Deborah), West Jordan; Elizabeth Ann Romney Kelm (Brian), Salt Lake City; and Marjorie Romney Aslett (Grant), Farmington. They also have twenty-one grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Vern is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Keith Romney, Beverly Cutler, Geraldine Busath, and John Romney, all of Salt Lake City, and Yvonne Dixon of Washington, D.C.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Highland East Stake Center (4679 West 11000 North Highland, Utah, State Road 92). Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at the Highland East Stake Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vern's name to the L.D.S. Perpetual Education Fund.
Funeral arrangements by SereniCare Funeral Home, 801-255-2801.
www.serenicarefuneralhome.com
My son Brad Simpson spoke highly of Elder Romney and his wife frequently. Brad met them when serving his mission in West Virginia. He was even talking about them today!
Effe Simpson
August 12, 2013 | Meridian, ID
Pat, It is with greatest love and joy I have in my heart to have known and been a friend to Vern. As we taught together the High Priests in the Highland Ward, we became more than just teachers. We truly loved each other and were able to see beyond into each others heart. I am so grateful for the light of the Gospel of Christ that shone forth from Vern. May the Lord bless you, until that great reuniting in the Kingdom of our Father. I pray for the peace of the Savior to be with you. All...
Jim Watkins
July 24, 2013 | UT
Pat and Family,
We were sorry to learn of Vern's passing after we returned home. We learned much from his obituary, and express our love and appreciation for both his and your genuine friendship in Colonial Hills. Heaven's blessings to you.
Glenn and Carol Lewis
July 23, 2013
Vern was a wonderful mentor and great friend. I first met him when I was hired as an assistant attorney general 39 years ago. I had the privilege of helping on his race for governor and functioning as his deputy during the time he campaigned. He always encouraged me in my wild efforts to get elected. He is the sponsor noted on my certificate for admission to the United States Supreme Court bar. We talked a lot about legal matters, religion, politics, high school football, life, people and...
Michael L Deamer
July 21, 2013
Oh, how I love Pat and Vern Romney! You are "doers" in every sense of the word. We loved reconnecting with you in La Jolla, and then through more recent years. Your enthusiasm and energy have always been infectious. You both know how to have fun and make great memories along the way. Perhaps Vern and Clyde are having a wonderful reunion, right now. I certainly hope so.
I'll see you soon, Pat.
Fondly, Deborah
July 20, 2013
The first law office I ever worked in while still a teenager (19) was Romney, Nelson & Cassity. Vern was so nice to me, very patient and taught me a lot. He even attended my and my husband's sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a great place to work. I have thought about him often. Sorry for the loss to the family of such a fine man.
Nancy Pratt Moss
July 19, 2013 | College Station, TX
We all lament the death and departure of Vernon Bradford Romney. He will be remembered for the examples he lived during his long life, examples and diligence, and patriotism and love of country, America, that were inspiring to me. I have read his memoirs, which were absolutely enchanting to me and exposed him for what he is, a great man, father, husband.
Pat and family. Thinking of you during these hours of deep grief.
Marianne Buchanan, Draper, Utah
Marianne Buchanan
July 19, 2013
We were sorry to hear of Vern's passing. He was a good man. He and Cal were such great friends in their youth. They made plenty of mischief together. They must be sharing stories and reliving old times together. We wish your family peace and comfort and the joy of knowing you'll be together again.
The Cal Erickson family
Myrna Erickson
July 18, 2013 | Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Robyn and family,
I was sorry to hear about the death of your dad. I have good memories of him; always making us laugh. My thoughts are with you.
Kris Bywater Bell
July 17, 2013 | Salt Lake City, UT
