Happy 85th Birthday Vern II

I have a wonderful father-in-law and today is his 85th birthday. We're having a family party later today to celebrate his life. And it's been a very important and meaningful life. He has written an autobiography that is over 1000 pages in length. It will be fascinating to read it, but for now, we get to be a part of his life and enjoy every year that we have with him. Here are some highlights:

Vernon was born and raised in SLC. His father Vernon I was born in Mexico in a polygamist family. Vern is the oldest of 8 children and each of them have accomplished much in their lives. They are all impressive people who have done a lot of good in the world. He served a faithful mission in the Eastern states. We was a army soldier in WW II and fought in the Pacific theater. We saw a lot of action and was lucky to come home alive. He is a member of the Greatest Generation and we all have a lot of respect for him. He married Pat when he got home from the service and they went off to law school at George Washington University in DC. He went back to SLC and practiced law with his father Vernon I and brother Keith. He loves Pat dearly and they have been married for more than 50 years. He served as Attorney General of the State of Utah for eight years. He ran for Governor, but lost by a close margin. The family moved to Utah County after the election and they have lived there for the last 30 plus years. Pat and Vern had two children (Robyn and Rick) and then they adopted Jim, Doug, Margie and Ann. They have had many struggles raising their family, but they have continued to set a good example and to try and help everyone succeed. Vern has served as a Bishop and Stake Patriarch. He is retired as a patriarch, but he gave each of our four children their patriarchal blessings. He served a mission with Pat in West Virginia and in LaJolla California. He was loved by all the missionaries who knew him in the field. He has a quick wit and a brilliant mind. He counts everything and anything and can tell you little facts about all sorts of things. He LOVES BYU sports, especially football and he got Rick started on his indoctrination of all things blue and white. He and Rick think alike. It's uncanny. Even Vern IV takes after his father and grandfather. It must be in the genes. Vern has diabetes and gets around with a walker, but he mostly likes to spend his time reading. He sits in his recliner chair and reads thousands of pages from books every week. He writes very well and can pick up on grammatical and spelling errors without fail. He continues to get around to attend events he enjoys and just recently attended Dave's college graduation ceremony. Rick and I have gone on summer trips with Pat and Vern these last three years. We went to North Dakota (which was the only state of the 50 they hadn't visited), Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Calgary Canada and this fall we are going to DC & Boston with them. He is a man of great integrity, testimony, wisdom, kindness, strength of character and will. He doesn't complain about his ailments, aches and pains and he manages to stay positive and funny. We all adore him. Happy Birthday dear Vern. I love you.