Clifford Ronald VanLeuven

Ron VanLeuven was born on February 26, 1937, to Clifford Anson VanLeuven and Margaret Ida Betts in Payson, Utah. He lived in a small white house that his grandfather and mother built in Springville, Utah. Ron was the oldest of three children. He had two sisters, JoAnn and Marie. Sadly, Marie became very ill and died when she was two years old.
Ron attended Springville High School. He was the manager of both the football and track teams. He developed a love of photography and became a yearbook photographer. He graduated in 1955 and went on to attend Brigham Young University. There he majored in Engineering Science. Ron became the president of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and served on the editorial staff of "MBA Spectrum."
Halfway through earning an engineering degree, Ron was called to serve in the Northern Far East Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He learned Japanese and served for two-and-a-half years. During his mission, Ron gained a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and people. His testimony and dedication to the gospel grew as he served.
When Ron returned home, he completed his engineering degree and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration, also at BYU. He worked for the US Army Electronics Command as a civilian for four years in New Jersey.
After returning to Salt Lake City, he met his future wife, Harmke Brijs, at a singles ward. They were later married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 26, 1972. They welcomed five children into their family: Kathy, Mitzi, Merrill, Julie, and Adrienne. The family lived in Sandy for a while before moving to Colorado. A six-month training relocated the family to New Jersey for a short time.
Ron worked as a voicemail engineer for Mountain Bell, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and finally Avaya. He was well respected by his peers and managers as someone who was hard working and attentive to detail.
At church, Ron served in the bishopric, on the high council, and as High Priest Group Leader. He greeted people with a friendly smile and a hearty handshake. He had an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and shared it with his quiet example of service. Ron was also active in the Boy Scouts of America and the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. He served in various capacities for both organizations for several decades.
Always surrounded by books, Ron loved to read and study. He helped Harmke with the garden every summer and enjoyed traveling.
Wanting to be closer to grandkids, Ron and Harmke moved back to Utah 22 years ago. They are the proud grandparents of 24 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Ron always asked about each child and made them feel loved and important. He was dedicated to his family and led with his example of love, service, and patience.
Ron passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 16, 2024. He will always be loved and greatly missed by his family and friends.
A viewing will be held Sunday, July 21st from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Eaglecrest Stake Center, 1920 N 500 W, Lehi. The funeral will be Monday, July 22nd at 1:00 PM with a viewing prior from 12:00 – 12:45, also at the Eaglecrest Stake Center. Interment will be at the Lehi Cemetery.
The VanLeuven Family would like to thank the medical staff at Utah Valley Hospital for their kind and gracious care of our father. We would also like to thank the friends and neighbors who have helped Ron and Harmke over the past few years. Your love and service are greatly appreciated.