“Elder Ronald T. Halverson Of the Seventy,” Ensign, May 1998, 105
Elder Ronald T. Halverson
Of the Seventy
“I have been very blessed to see the hand of the Lord in my life,” says Elder Ronald T. Halverson, “and I have learned that the gospel brings happiness and joy when you are obedient.”
Born on 18 December 1936 in Ogden, Utah, to Marlowe and Hilda Tomlinson Halverson, Ronald was the third in a family of four boys. He grew up in Ogden and attended Weber State College, where he met Linda Kay Jensen, of Hooper, Utah. In 1957–59, he served in the Oslo Norway Mission. After his mission, while attending the University of Utah, he and Linda married in the Salt Lake Temple on 13 October 1960. The parents of 5 children—4 boys and 1 girl—the Halversons are the grandparents of 11.
Upon leaving the University of Utah, he worked at his father’s company, Marlowe Plumbing and Heating. He quickly discovered that he had an ability in business, and eventually he and his brother started three companies: Halverson Mechanical, Inc.; H&H Mechanical, Inc.; and RHYCO, Inc.
Active in politics, Elder Halverson served for a total of 16 years (1966–82) in the Utah State Legislature in both the House and Senate. He has also served for nearly 10 years as chairman of the State Building Board and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Weber State College.
The Halverson family enjoy vigorous outdoor sports and activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, desert biking, fishing, and hunting. They also raise and train horses.
Elder Halverson has fulfilled Church callings with a vitality for which he is known in his personal and professional life. He has served as a stake president and counselor, regional representative, president of the Oslo Norway Mission 1990–93, and member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy serving in the Utah North Area.
“My testimony grew line upon line, precept upon precept,” says Elder Halverson, “and I have been privileged over the years to have personal spiritual experiences. My testimony is very strong that Jesus is the Christ and that it is only through him that we can return to the presence of the Father.”