Hi, I'm Bob

My youth lived in Portland, OR, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara, CA. Lived in 45 cities & 6 nations. I am a Mormon.

About Me

My Mother, Ruth Sloan West, died at my age one month. My Father, Richard Ballantyne West, and Step-mother Florence Bohen West died seven months apart, at my age 16, I had many jobs and good youthful activities, including golf, tennis, dancing, basketball and baseball. U.S.Navy Reserves and U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps. B.A. Adm. 29 years in insurance sales management. Married 57 years (2012). Father of 3 sons (Rob, Steve/Gloria, Mike/Brenda, and one daughter (Sharon/Dave). Grandfather of 14. Great Grandfather of 15. Lived in 22 cities before marriage and 23 cities since marriage in 6 different countries. Played tennis to age 81. It has been a good life.

Why I am a Mormon

i was Born in the Church to Temple marriage parents. Read the "Articles of Faith" and "Jesus the Christ" as a college student which lead me to serve my first, of five, voluntary missions (4 full time-9 1/2 years, 1 part time-5 years). Continued to read, study, and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ ever since. I know He is the Savior of all men and women. He is the Son of God, Our Heavenly Father. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is good for me and for my family.

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Everyone has a purpose living on earth. No matter how extensive, or seemingly limited, our talents and gifts we can all be an influence for good, and do good to others. Smile, help, teach, listen, give, support...If not me, Who? If not now, When?

How I live my faith

Served voluntary missionary work in five countries. Taught youth and adults many years. Served as counselor in Mission Presidency for one year, in Sweden, as single young man. Served as Mission President in Australia in senior years, supervising 450 young men and women and adult missionaries over three years. Served in many church, scouting, community, volunteer capacities for 65 plus years. Make every effort to keep the "Two" Commandments and the "Ten" Commandments. Use the scriptures for guidance, along with prayer. Stay close to family. Honor our heritage - family and nation.

What blessings can you receive from reading the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and other scriptures?

Bob answered...

Testimony of and knowledge of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost.. Reasons for keeping the Two Commandments and the Ten Commandments. Better life. Understanding of Where we came from: Pre-mortsal life, Why we are here on earth, Where we are going after death.

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Vinson answered...

As a temple ordinance worker for the Mesa Temple for the past 5 years, I have grown in appreciation for the temple and the ordinances that are preformed. I believe that those who have passed-on are given the opportunity to accept the work that is performed in their behalf as if they were here - physically. The initial ordinance of accepting Jesus Christ is baptism. The ordinance of baptism is performed as it was originally by John the Baptist for Jesus in the temple by emersion. The temple gives those that have passed-on the opportunity to accept the mission of Jesus Christ and all the ordinances that he performed.