Elder Dallas N. Archibald

Of the Seventy

It was on his mission to Uruguay that Dallas Archibald’s life really changed. “The gospel came into focus for me during that time,” explains Elder Archibald, recently called to the Second Quorum of the Seventy. “I was brought up a member of the Church, but while serving a mission I learned the practical aspects of the gospel, as well as the spiritual aspects.”

Those practical aspects have come in handy as Brother Archibald’s career has taken him and his family—his wife, Linda Ritchie, and his daughter, Teri—to Japan, the Philippines, Canada, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Brazil, and several different states in the United States.

“Every time we move, our first step is to find the church and get involved,” Sister Archibald says. “We can move from one area to another and be immediately accepted by members of the Church.”

That church involvement has kept Elder Archibald busy; he has served as bishop, stake president, regional representative, and mission president.

Born 24 July 1938 in Logan, Utah, Dallas grew up in Ogden, where he returned after his mission. He met Linda in Ogden, and after they were married he served a four-year stint in the Coast Guard. Then the Archibalds returned to Ogden, where Elder Archibald received a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University. He has also earned a master’s degree in international management.

Elder Archibald’s philosophy on life includes the elements of work, progress, and commitment.

“Individuals need to have an eternal perspective and find the motivation that is necessary to bring their life into harmony with gospel principles,” he explains.

“The true motivation in our lives comes through Jesus Christ and the power of the Atonement. Once we understand that, the eternities are open to us and we move forward, using our own agency to obtain salvation.”