Vern Robison

Vern Robison
Panguitch, Utah

    Vern F Robison, 88, hung up his hat and put his gloves on the hook for the final time, on Friday, October 27, 2023, at his home in Panguitch, with his wife and his daughter by his side. Vern was born February 7, 1935 in Ioka, Utah in his Grandma Robison’s home. He lived a fulfilling, adventurous, and hardworking life, leaving behind a legacy of honorability, accomplishment, and love, lassoing the hearts of all who knew him. 
    Vern grew up on a farm in Randlett, Utah and was the third of eight children. In his youth he developed a great love for horses, farming, ranching and the beautiful outdoors. The strong relationships he had with family, and both the good and difficult experiences that he had, influenced him to become the man he was throughout his life. 
    He married June Stevens on October 16, 1958, later sealed in the Manti Utah Temple; later divorced. They had 4 beautiful children: Curtis, Brent, Debra and Ricky. After being lined up by a mutual friend, he married Pamela Simkins Bertelsen in the Manti Temple on March 26, 1988. She brought three daughters: Wendi, Marci and Staci into their newly formed family. Vern took her girls into his life and treated them as his own from the first day. 
    He was a man of honor, respect, determination and independence. He had drive, a willingness to help anyone and everyone, he was selfless, trustworthy, and he had a strong work ethic. He was a role model to his children, grandchildren and everyone he came in contact with. He had friends far and near and everyone he met became his friend.  
    Vern was a man of great patriotism. In 1953, at the age of 18, he did his civic duty and volunteered for the draft. He served with bravery and loyalty in the Korean War as a Sargeant. 
    Throughout Vern’s life he worked at many different jobs, all of which he seemed to love. He was a hard working, dedicated man. He worked 30 years for Mountain Bell. In 1963 he moved to Panguitch, God’s Country or the Celestial Kingdom, as he called it. Shortly after moving to Panguitch he became the service manager of Mountain Bell and serviced Panguitch and the surrounding areas. He retired from Mountain Bell in 1986. After that, he served and worked at many different things, many overlapping. His strong work ethic allowed him to never stop. He served in the Garfield County Search and Rescue for 20 years and was the commander for 4 years. He belonged to the Utah State Western Riding Club Association where he won state calf roping championships. He was the president of the local chapter and secretary of the state riding club. He belonged to the Lions Club for many years where his service continued. He was the official starter, running the starting gate at the horse races in the early 1960s and continued for 25 years. He was the pick-up man for the Bryce Canyon Rodeo from 1974-1985. He started jack-pot ropings in Panguitch and mentored many young cowboys for many years. In 2003 he took over being the Sevier Water Deputy Commissioner, and also served on the West Panguitch Board of Directors for many years. 
    As a young man he had the dream of having his own ranch, and run his own cattle. This became a reality when he had the opportunity to build up his herd and by leasing some property outside of Panguitch. He had about 100 head of cattle. He ran this herd for about 5 years and then sold part of them. A few years later he sold the others. Each fall Cal Poly State University would come to purchase his cattle  many of which won grand champion prizes. Since retiring from cattle ranching he has always kept a few long horns in the back pasture. He also ran the East Fork Ranch in John’s Valley. He managed and ran the Church ranch in Panguitch and Kanab. After the Church ranch sold he was asked to be the Utah State Brand Inspector and served in that position for 20 years. Most recently, you could almost always find him on a swather in the field, cutting and baling hay. This was a little piece of Heaven to him.  
    Vern’s avid enthusiasm and love of his hobbies took him in many directions. He loved the outdoors. In 2002, after returning from a Church mission and at age 65, he earnestly began his calf roping career. He won many awards, trailers, saddles and belt buckles. He loved to Dutch oven cook and became a master of the Dutch oven. He cooked for very large crowds, and small crowds, but his family loved the tradition of his Dutch oven cooking more than anyone. A favorite hobby was chasing with his hound dogs, hunting bear and lion, training horses, fishing, hunting and puttering in his shop building things. The love of his hobbies was never superseded by the love he had for his family. His children and grandchildren loved to be a part of many of the things he loved, and they tagged along on many of his adventures.  
    Vern was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many church callings, but some of his favorites were as missionary and temple worker. He and Pam were called to be temple ordinance workers three different times in the St. George and Cedar City temples. They served for 6-months in the Martin’s Cove Mission (2002). They served a 6-month mission in Billings Montana (2012), where they served on a beautiful ranch in the Big Sky state. They served for 18-months in the Nauvoo, Illinois Mission from (2014-2015). Here Vern served as the Teamster Site Leader where his love and expertise of horses was put to use. 
    He is preceded in death by his parents, Jennie Pearl (Mariner) McMullin, and Forrest J. Robison; as well as his siblings: Colleene Wahlquist, Grace Grover, Bob Robison; son, Brent Robison; grandsons, Rusten Muhlestein, Ryan Muhlestein; granddaughter, McKenzie Schear.
    He leaves behind his wife Pamela; children: Curtis Robison, Debra (Russell) Muhlestein, Rick Robison, Wendi (Barry) Christensen, Marci (David) Lassig, Staci (Jan) Christensen; 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister; along with many nieces and nephews. 
    Family and friends will honor this real cowboy’s last ride with funeral services on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Panguitch 3rd Ward, where friends may call Sunday for a viewing from 6:00-7:00 pm or  Monday from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.  Burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery with military honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com