Hi, I'm Bob

I'm a Mormon; Portland,OR to US Naval Academy, test pilot, PhD Civil Engineer, Air Force Reserve, retired, served mission w/wife.

About Me

I met my wife of 41 years while attending the US Naval Academy in Annapolis MD, I served in the US Navy as a Naval Aviator then resigned and went to graduate school at Utah State University in Logan UT. We have four children, all married, and 10 grandchildren. After graduate school I worked as a civil engineer in Texas and Iowa and then Utah. In Utah I joined the US Air Force Reserves and retired as a civil engineer with 28 years of service. My wife and I served as a senior missionary couple in the Florida Orlando Mission for two years.

Why I am a Mormon

My mother was a Mormon from Utah and met my Dad during WWII, he is not a member of any church. My faith developed as a child when my mother would take us to church. While in the Navy I learned for myself how much I loved the Lord and desired to always serve Him and keep His commandments. The gospel of Jesus Christ has helped mold my marriage and family into something I treasure and want to be with for eternity. I experience the most joy and happiness with my family and wife. I know that when I die I will live again and see my loved ones. I know that this life is one to experience all that my Heavenly Father has designed for me and return to Him again saved and justified to enter His presence.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

I know that I existed before I came here to earth and I know why I am here on earth to learn and to grow more like my Heavenly Father also when I die I know that I will see my family again, have a body in the resurrection and behold His face. These truths are in the Book of Mormon and ring true in my heart. I love the feeling of receiving revelation from the Lord through His spirit and reading the Book of Mormon does that.

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

I had an opportunity when the first time away from home to either skip church or stay true to the teachings my mom taught me when growing up. I decided to attend my faith while at the Naval Academy and thereafter while in the Navy. It has always been a blessing to me in helping me feel good and meet good friends (like my wife).

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Mormons go on missions to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and tell His gospel to all who are waiting to hear it. My two sons both went on missions when they were 19 and served for two years, one in Sophia Bulgaria and the other in Montreal Canada. My wife and I served for two years in the Florida Orlando Mission. As we serve the Lord by serving His people we gain blessings for ourselves and our family by becoming more closer to Him. I know the Lord lives and loves me and my family.

How I live my faith

I have served in my church and community helping youth: Cub Scouts Webelos Leader, Boy Scouts Scoutmaster and Varsity Scout Team Coach and AYSO and Competition soccer coach. I enjoy going on high adventures with the scouts: canoe trips in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, camping, hiking in Yellowstone National Park, winter camping in Iowa. In the Air Force I served as a chaplain for a group of fellow airman. I also had the opportunity to lead a congregation of over 600 members in my community for over 3 and half years, working my full time civil engineering job, and serving as a military commander of a civil engineer squadron . I performed marriages, conducted funerals, counseled adults, youth and military airmen and served my country during several conflicts Vietnam, Desert Storm.

What do Mormons believe about the Holy Ghost? Who is the Holy Ghost?

Bob answered...

We believe the Holy Ghost is a spirit person who serves with the Father and His Son-Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost testifies to us of the truth and the Father and the Son.
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Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

David C answered...

Mormons practiced polygamy because the Lord commanded some of them to do so, for purposes known to the Lord. At the time, there were no national laws prohibiting polygamy. When the Supreme Court ruled that later anti-polygamy laws were constitutional, the Lord directed Pres. Woodruff to issue the Manifesto, and the practice ended in the Church.