Sagas of My Life By Thor Leifson

Hobbies and Special Interests

who can speak their language without a strong accent. I Writing
have always enjoyed other languages, and besides French,
I have picked up a fair amount of Tahitian and Icelandic. I I hesitate to list this as a hobby or interest and yet the past
was also able to learn enough Spanish, Italian and German year of so I have written a great deal of personal history and
to handle these languages in performing the ordinances in also histories of my grandparents as well as some articles at
the Swiss Temple. the request of other people who seem to feel I have some
talent in this field. I do enjoy writing and I suppose I do
Personal Library & Reading better at it than many others. At least that is what the director
of the Church Building Committee indicated as one of the
One of my greatest loves and interests is books and reading. reasons they wanted me to accept employment at Church
Over the years I have accumulated what I consider a very Headquarters back in 1970. Quite a lot of my work there
good collection of religious and other literary works. I have over the years involved a good deal of technical writing of
shelves of French, Tahitian and Icelandic related books. reports, minutes of meetings and other writings such as
There are also many books on history, philosophy, poetry drafting of correspondence. It always seemed to come quite
and some fine literature of different countries. I have the 20 easy to me, perhaps because of my background as an English
volume Harvard Classics Collection and other similarly and Literature teacher in high schools years ago.
outstanding collections that I treasure greatly. A recent
collector’s item is a five-volume set of the English translation I have been tempted at times to try my hand at writing
of The Complete Sagas of Icelanders. I also have several sets some fiction and even perhaps some poetry, but I enjoy
of excellent reference books. I presently have a library of reading so much that at this point in my life I feel I would
well over 500 volumes. Now all I need is more time to get rather spend time at that rather than laboring to produce
through as many of my fine books as possible before I take any literary works.
leave of this mortal existence. I love to acquire knowledge
but it doesn’t seem to come as easily as it did years ago. Real Estate

Good Music My interest in this matter has been so extensive that I shall
treat it in a later chapter.
Although I don’t play any musical instrument and don’t
even sing well, I love good classical music and listen to it a Family and Grandchildren
great deal. I keep a CD player on my office desk and love
to listen to good soothing music while reading, writing or The final thing I shall list cannot be considered a hobby, but
even working at my computer - such as right now while I it is certainly of such great interest at this stage of my life
am writing this material. that I feel I must include it as one of my very favorite things.
I spend much more time thinking about my family and
As I have grown older, one of my favorite things is to attend especially my grandchildren than actually being with them,
symphonies. There are really good performances here but they are more of a true joy and delight than anything
at the BYU as well as at Dixie College when we are at St. else in my present life.
George during the wintertime. Also at least once each year I
take Loyce into Salt Lake City to hear the Utah Symphony Below are photos showing most of my children and
perform. We usually stay overnight at a nearby hotel and grandchildren when they were younger and more
enjoy a good evening dinner as well. This seems to be one recently when we got them together at Aspen Grove in
of our very best treats. the summer of 2004.

249

Sagas of My Life
Leifson Family Photo – about 1990

250

Hobbies and Special Interests
251

Sagas of My Life
252

Chapter 12

MEDICAL AND INJURY
HISTORY

Sagas of My Life

MEDICAL AND INJURY HISTORY

A number of times I have read that it would be so very cutting up my face in a ski jumping tumble, a deep cut on
helpful to have a medical record of one’s progenitors in the bottom of one foot in a swimming mishap, several cuts
diagnosing later generation’s ailments. So, for whatever it from broken glass in an auto roll-over while in the army,
may be worth, I decided to include a chapter in this personal etc. Perhaps there were some other such earlier incidents,
history and list my own medical record. but most of these listed above required suturing or were
painful enough that I remember them very clearly. At
During the first 60 or so years of my life most of the about age 60 my medical needs began to differ and also
medical problems I experienced, as far as I recall at least, to increase in number. Rather than suffering injuries from
were primarily being knocked unconscious a couple of somewhat careless accidents, my medical problems were
times, cracking ribs in a farm accident and later in falling now more related to my body showing its age, so to speak.
from a ladder in Tahiti, receiving severe lacerations such The following list of medical problems is from documented
as a lengthy cut on my right shin in a fall off a building, files or from personal memory:

Dates Medical Problems Doctors
6/1979 Hemorrhoid surgery (common for former paratroopers) Dr. Ed McKay
5/28/86 Hiatus hernia as per tests at Alta View Hospital
2/05/88 Triple tooth permanent bridge after 40 years w/partial Dr. Black
2/22/89 Carpal Tunnel surgery - right wrist – Thor’s hammer? Dr. Hutchings
5/31/89 Stomach pains – tests showed hiatus hernia or ulcers (?) Dr. John Zahniser
8/02/90 Tooth implant & permanent bridge, lower left jaw
6/01/91 Carcinoma spots removed from left cheek (1st time) Dr. Wilcox
6/18/91 Blood in urine. Endoscopes tests show it isn’t serious. Dr. Karl E. Lind
8/1992 Smashed right leg. Horse rolled on me in Escalante area. Dr. Bryce Allred
3/16/93 Annual physical was very good. I’m ready to retire! Dr. Corbin Clark
1/13/94 Broke index finger on my right hand – Sundance project.
5/17/94 Chopped up rear of right lower leg with chain saw. Dr. Hames
6/10/94 Colonoscopy test. Some polyps removed. Dr. Hames
6/28/94 Colon surgery. Removed a few inches of upper colon. Dr. Blayne Hirshi
E.R. at UVMC
Dr. Tom Dickinson
Dr. Douglas Kohler

254

Medical and Injury History

Dates Medical Problems Doctors
12/19/94 Colonoscopy check showed surgery very successful. Dr. Tom Dickinson

3/14/97 Annual physical. Put on blood pressure medicine. Dr. Lynn Bateman
3/19/97 Carcinoma spots removed from left cheek (2nd time). Dr. Kimball Croft
4/3/97 Dermatologist checked itching scalp condition.
4/21/97 Sinuses examined as possible cause of headaches. Dr. Bradshaw
5/6/97 Cat scan of sinus area to check for cause of headaches Dr. Nelson
7/31/97 Colonoscopy checks after 3 years. All seemed okay.
8/6/97 Cataracts removed from both eyes UVMC
11/17/97 Rotary cuff surgery right shoulder (fell on Mt. Timp) Dr. Dickinson
Dr Randy Ellsworth.
11/17/97 Rotary rehab for 2 ½ months following surgery. Dr. Kirt Kimball

4/22/98 Angina tests (EKG, etc. showed no severe problems) Dr. Rogan Taylor
4/7/99 Laser surgery on left and then right eye – blurred vision.
4/13/99 Hemorrhoid surgery (2nd time in 20 years) Dr. Lynn Bateman
Dr. James Theurer
3/14/00 Carcinoma removed from left cheek (3rd time) Dr. Douglas Kohler

6/6/00 Colonoscopy exam (2nd 3 yr check. Now ok for 5 years) Dr. Kimball Croft
8/28/00 Endoscope exam for restricted swallowing. Scar tissue.
9/28/00 Prostate biopsy because of raised PSA. All seems okay. Dr. Dickinson
11/1/00 Annual physical. Have had each year since age 50. All ok Dr. Dickinson
3/10/01 Shingles attack! Left side of trunk. Lasted couple of months. Dr. Dave Harmon
4/24/01 Extensive dental work; redid lower left bridge, etc. Dr. Bateman
11/26/01 Urethra check for blood in urine. No serious problem.
4/30/02 Severe pain in left shoulder. Did EKG, etc. All seems ok None
6/12/02 Several carcinoma spots removed from my face (4th time) Dr. John Jennings
4/7/03 More carcinoma spots removed from face Dr. Dave Harmon
10/22/03 Staph infection in cut on lower left leg
10/22/03 Broke off 2 teeth in fall & had them crowned UVMC
4/13/04 TUMPT procedure on prostate to improve urinary flow. Dr. M. Donaldson
5/5/04 Root canal (Dr.Burr) & crown on upper right molar
Jun/Aug 05 Food Poisoning resulting in partial kidney failure Dr. Donaldson
Dr. Bateman
Dr. Pinegar
Dr. Ron Oldroyd
Dr. Eric Vogel
Dr. Bateman/Stephanz

In coming years I plan to keep a more detailed listing of all lists now for almost 20 years and find this information very
medical items and attach the lists to an annual summary of helpful when I’ve had to refer back to verify when special
family highlights. I have compiled these annual highlight events took place among family members.

255

Sagas of My Life

People (especially doctors) occasionally ask what your 9. Was put on high blood pressure medicine (Atenolol)
most serious medical problems have been. I suppose if I had in 1997.
to list my own half dozen or so of these, it would probably
be as follows: 10. Had a TUMPT procedure on my prostate to improve
urinary flow.
1. Colonoscopy surgery wherein several inches of my
upper colon & appendix were removed. Doctors 11. Food poisoning which resulted in partial kidney failure.
had found “pre-cancerous lesions” & concluded this
portion of the colon should be removed. Throughout my lifetime I have enjoyed fairly good health.
It was said I suffered a bout of bronchial pneumonia when
2. Rotary cuff surgery on right shoulder. One tendon tore only a year or two old but since then I have endured only
away & another was badly damaged. one or two colds most years and bouts of the flu sometimes
in winters. I attribute my good health to good habits and
3. Cataracts were removed from both eyes in 1997. This good genes. My dad always enjoyed good health and Mom
greatly improved my vision. was also fairly healthy until she developed diabetes in later
life. Most of my grandparents seem to have also lived longer
4. Carcinoma (skin cancer) spots have been removed than the average lifespan in their times.
from my face several different times.
The habits I have tried to follow include adequate sleep,
5. Carpal tunnel surgery performed on my right wrist. regular exercise and eating a good diet. I have usually
(Thor’s hammer the apparent cause). averaged about 7-8 hours sleep each night, jogged or hiked
for about one hour or more two or three times each week
6. Severe lacerations several times (mostly on legs) and eaten a good balanced diet. After about the age of 50,
requiring suturing. I found it necessary to cut down on the size of servings for
most of my meals in order to keep my weight under 175
7. Hemorrhoid surgery two different times. This is a pounds. I currently weigh about 170 pounds. I really enjoy
common problem for paratroopers. hiking as an exercise and feel strongly that doing this has
contributed greatly to the vigor that I’ve enjoyed in my life
8. Tooth implant surgery in 1990 to carry a permanent and also to the quality of my health.
bridge in left lower jaw.

256

Chapter 13

REAL ESTATE INTERESTS
AND ACTIVITIES

Sagas of My Life

REAL ESTATE INTERESTS
AND ACTIVITIES

As indicated in the previous chapter, from early in my life OnceagainitwasreallyasurprisetomewhenIdecidedtolistthe
I seem to have had a keen interest in real estate matters. different real estate properties just how many I have purchased
This seems to have combined very well with my similar and/or sold over the years since 1948 when I purchased the
interest in building and construction. So, although I will first property, a building lot in Spanish Fork, from my father for
not write extensively about real estate, I did feel it could be $500. At that time I would never have imagined that over the
of some interest to my descendents to list the properties I following fifty or so years I would be involved in 38 real estate
have been involved with during my lifetime. transactions. Just for the record, they are as follows:

Location of Properties Date Purchased Date Sold
Spanish Fork - Home property at 885 East Center 1948 1970
West Jordan - Home property on Jana Lee Drive 1970
Salt Lake City - Canyon Road Condo (Penthouse unit) 1976 8/04/93
Indian Canyon – Mountain property (15 & 10 acre pieces) 6/1/77 1977
#2 (Purchased 5 acres on north from Henry Rau)
4/18/89 5/23/79
#3 (Purchased 20 acres on west) 1986?
Indian Canyon -Sold 10 acres on east to Clark Partridge 3/01/95 5/26/87
1/26/95 5/28/87
Sold 10 acres on stream to Russ Neville 1978 11/3/87
Sold 30 acres on top of mountain to Gus Shields 1978 8/15/91
Jordan River Temple lot #1 (purchased at 1st Presidency request) 7/01/92
Dec. 56
Jordan River Temple lot #2 (purchased for Jean Sun) 04/29/80 11/23/99
Spanish Fork - Sold Dad Leifson’s home to Paul Pullman 04/16/84
Spanish Fork - Sold Dad Leifson’s duplex #2 to Allen Leifson
Riverton lot – Sold lot Jean Sun had owned for many years
Sundance #1(Parcel #1 - wedding gift from Dad & Mom P)
Sundance #2 (Purchased lot North of ours from Pat Richins)
Sundance #3(Parcel #3 purchased of Redfords – east of stream)

Sold entire Sundance property to Bill Mansell

258

Real Estate Interests and Activities

Location of Properties Date Purchased Date Sold
Spanish Fork cemetery lots (4 lots) 08/26/88
Sundance lot (north of other lot) pur’d w/ Jean Sun from Clark P. 03/14/89 1993
Salt Lake City - Duplex unit #1 (Holiday area) 01/23/86 4/12/95
Salt Lake City - Duplex unit #2 (Holiday area) 12/17/86 1/01/93
St. George Condo (Palm Meadows) 12/20/86 6/14/93
Provo Condo (Rock Canyon at about 500 E & 2300 N) 07/01/93 6/01/95
Sarasota Co., Florida lots (3 lots – gift from Jean Suns) 02/25/94 08/20/02
Provo Condo (1272 East 2300 North (our current home) 11/23/99
St. George Entrada Patio Home (used for 2 winters as 2nd home) 02/09/00 10/23/02
Palisade Lake Cabin site – pur’d from David Christensen 11/20/03

As indicated previously, we are very happy in our Provo because the property increased so very much in value over
Condo located at 1272 East 2300 North and we plan to keep time, it was not at all practical to build a small dwelling on
this as our final abode for the remainder of our lives or until such a valuable property. It turned out very well financially
we will need to move to some sort of assisted living facility. for us to proceed as we did. So, if my energy and health
hold out, we will develop this lake/mountain land for one
However, we have recently purchased another piece of final real estate venture! But now that I am 76 years of age,
mountain property bordering the Palisade State Park I would mainly supervise the works and let other younger
southeast of Manti, Utah and plan to build a small log cabin men do much of the actual labor. It will be interesting to see
on it. I had planned for years to do this at Sundance, but how this idea materializes in the next year or two.

259

Sagas of My Life
260

Chapter 14

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL
EVENTS DURING MY CENTURY

Sagas of My Life

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
DURING MY CENTURY

There is probably no one of sound mind who would question I consider to be among the most important events of this
that during this past century (20th century) we experienced past century:
the greatest advancements in scientific achievements that
has ever been known since the beginning of mankind. For 1900 Quantum Theory developed and later Einstein’s
example, who during the previous centuries could have theory of relativity
even imagined that we would one day actually see, through
the means of telecommunication, a man walking on the 1901 Radio signal spans the Atlantic
moon! The fact that men can now actually travel to the 1903 Wrights fly first airplane
moon and also that we were literally able to see with our 1906 Earthquake and fire destroys San Francisco
own eyes this fantastic experience would have been mind 1909 U.S. radio broadcasts begin
boggling to my grandparents. 1909 Plastics revolutionize many products
1912 The “Unsinkable” Titanic ship sinks in the north
Speaking of these earlier generations and how times have
changed, three of my paternal grandparents emigrated Atlantic.
from Iceland and came to America during the latter part of 1913 Ford Auto Company creates assembly line
the19th century. I visited their wonderful little homeland
two years ago (September 2002) and I couldn’t help but production
compare the conditions under which I traveled and under 1914 World War I begins in Europe
which they traveled to make the trip some 120 years ago 1914 Panama Canal opens
from Iceland to Utah. For them it took months of extremely 1917 U.S. enters World War I
strenuous and stressful efforts as they traveled by horseback, 1917 Communists take over Russia
by ship, by rail, by wagon/buggy and by walking. But for 1918 Horrendous flu epidemic kills 20 million worldwide
me, it took only a few hours of relaxing and restful time, 1918 World War I ends
traveling by airplane and automobile. I arrived in Utah in 1920 U.S. women given right to vote
less than half a day compared to months for them. What a 1927 Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic
contrast in the means of travel during this period of time! 1928 Antibiotic penicillin discovered
1928 Soviet famine & communist failures kill 25 million
As the 20th century came to a close, there were a number of
articles in the various news publications listing what many in Russia
considered the “top news stories” of the century. I will list 1929 U.S. stock market crashes
hereafter (in chronological order) part of their list, which 1939 Official beginning of TV
1939 First jet plane takes off
1939 Germany begins World War II by invading Poland
1941 Japan bombs Pearl Harbor

262

Importand Historical Events During My Century

1945 U.S. celebrates end of war in Europe social issues, and to such an extent that they excluded many
1945 U.S. develops the atomic bomb, uses it on Japan and of the important scientific advancements, an oversight with
which I would not agree, still it can’t be denied that there
ends World War II was much progress made in the social areas as well. Civil
1945 World’s nations form United Nations organization rights, women’s rights, minority rights and disability rights
1945 World’s first computer was developed have made tremendous advances over recent decades. And
1946 Marshal Plan begun to rebuild Europe people in general seem to be much more conscious of the
1947 Scientists invent first transistors need to take better care of our environment and natural
1948 Israel achieves statehood resources. I personally feel there has been far too much
1949 Communism begins in China extremism in some of these areas by organizations such as
1949 U.S. defends South Korea and Korean War begins the “aclu” and animal rights groups. But I also feel that the
1953 Polio vaccine developed with other amazing meds & pendulum will eventually swing back to a normal position
and we will come to a reasonable compromise with most of
procedures to follow the issues that are so contentious and divisive today.
1957 Soviets launch first satellite
1959 Computer chip first patented I also feel very strongly that the greatest thing that has
1961 Russia puts first man into space happened during this past century is not even listed by the
1961 U.S. puts first American into space journalists who made up the list of the most historic events.
1962 John Glenn first American put into orbit That event or happening to which I refer was the tremendous
1963 President Kennedy assassinated advancement and influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of
1964 U.S. Congress passes Civil Rights Act Latter-day Saints throughout the world. It will certainly be
1964 U.S. becomes involved in Vietnam War interesting to see how it continues to grow and the influence
1969 Men first walk on the moon for good it will have on Church members, on our country
1973 U.S. troops leave Vietnam and communists take over and on the entire world in the century ahead.

within 2 years During a recent discussion with a friend about the forgoing
1975 Personal computers begin being mass-marketed subject of the most important events of the past century,
1981 Deadly AIDS epidemic begins he asked what I felt (beside the growth of the Church) was
1989 Berlin Wall falls and Communism in Europe also the very most outstanding of the many amazing things we
experienced, some of which were absolutely terrible and
crumbles within 2 years others were so wonderfully beneficial to mankind. This
1990 Soviet Union dissolves then led me to carefully review the matter in greater depth
1993 Civil rights established for blacks in South Africa for I couldn’t give him an answer at that time. I did share
1997 Scientists clone a sheep for first time with him that if I were to make a list, it would not include
1997 Pathfinder spacecraft sends back photos of Mars the same things the journalist committee had listed and
that I would no doubt emphasize some things more than
It seems quite obvious to most people that the greatest they had done. So now, after more carefully reviewing the
achievements during this past century have been in the subject, I will list hereafter ten or so of what I consider
scientific fields such as in our means of communication and to have been the events that had the greatest effect or
travel, space exploration, physics, industrial advancements, influence on mankind during this past century. Some, such
medical research and practices. Although the journalists as the wars, were surely not a good effect and others, in
who put together the list from which I have taken the above
fifty or so items seemed to be much more interested in

263

Sagas of My Life

my view, such as television, have had both a good and bad of democracy in the world. We like to think that our own
effect and influence on many people. And thirdly, the great country has usually led the way in this struggle for greater
advancements in the medical field, for example, have surely human rights and generally I feel this has been the case.
been of great benefit to mankind.
How sad it is to note that women did not have the right to
Also it is difficult to even guess which of the following things vote even in our country until just a few years before my
will eventually prove to have the greatest historical impact or birth in 1928. In recent decades minorities and disabled
benefit throughout the years to come. For that reason I will not folks must be amazed at how politicians seem to be falling
select any one particular item as being the most outstanding, over each other trying to come to their aid. As I mentioned
but will list, and not in any special ranking, what I consider to earlier, the pendulum has swung so far in the opposite
have been the ten most eventful things of the past century. way from what it was previously that in some cases it has
become unjust in its new direction. A case in point is the
Democracy affirmative action rulings in recent years that discriminate
against some to the advantage of others simply because
Democracy has proven to be an especially effective form of race. It is to be hoped that these kinds of inequities will
of government, particularly for the more progressive and eventually be resolved in a way that will be fair to everyone.
advanced peoples of the world, and it has spread widely Without democratic principles being more generally
and has provided much advancement for the nations accepted throughout the world, these improvements in
that have adopted it during the 20th century. Early in the human rights would not have been possible, in my view.
century Communism seemed to be the wave of the future,
but by the end of the century it had proven to be so terribly International Organizations
totalitarian that many countries, in favor of democratic
rule, rejected it. I think this struggle between democratic International organizations have increased tremendously
philosophies versus totalitarianism has now mostly been during the past century especially in the political, business
won by freedom loving peoples and I feel this is one of the and scientific areas. The United Nations has become quite
most important things that took place this past century. strong and has most assuredly helped greatly in curtailing
It was simply amazing (even miraculous) to see how the many conflicts between nations that no doubt would have
Communist Soviet Union dissolved and so quickly adopted developed into all out wars without the influence and
a democratic form of government and perhaps even more pressure from this organization.
amazing that this tremendous change could happen
without a major war involved. This movement of freedom Businesses of every kind have flourished throughout the
loving people towards government principles that we in the world under free trade agreements. International financial
U.S. hold so dear and that is so well defined as “government assistance through such organizations as the World Bank
of the people, by the people and for the people” will also, I has also been very helpful to many developing countries,
feel, have a great, long-lasting effect on future generations. from what I understand.

Human Rights In the scientific field it is of particular interest, in my view, that
we now have international cooperation in areas such as space
Human rights has been a keen issue during the 1900’s and ventures and medical research. These kinds of joint activities are
there was much progress made to give greater equality for bound to bring greater harmony among countries and peoples.
women, minorities and handicapped people. A great deal Nations working together in these scientific fields would have
of this improvement, I feel, was because of the increase been almost unthinkable prior to the past few decades.

264

Importand Historical Events During My Century

Once again, it is my feeling that these kinds of cooperative Transportation
efforts are coming about because of the democratic principles
that the many nations can see are helping all nations that adopt Transportation advancements this past century were
it as a more effective way of improving the lives of their citizens. really revolutionary and some claim automobiles have
contributed more than any other one thing to change
Communication our world. In the first decade, an automobile was a real
rarity and it was truly a weird looking machine. But
Communication advancements this past century were so after the second decade when Ford began assembly line
monumental that one can hardly believe the wonders of production, it was not too long until most families were
it all. In the first decade of the 1900’s radio transmissions able to own an auto. Automobiles have been upgraded
began across the Atlantic and soon there were regular and improved almost every year since such that today it
radio broadcasts across the entire U.S. This quickly led to is nothing at all like the original. The larger vehicles of
telephones almost everywhere and in the 30’s television our day are literally homes on wheels and many retired
was introduced. These things completely changed our way people live in them year round traveling constantly from
of living. Later developments brought such marvels as the place to place. All the autos and trucks of our day are so
cell phone and the personal computer that can operate very comfortable and can speedily transport both people
almost anywhere in the world because of fixed satellites and freight materials in such ease and efficiency that
in outer space. It is truly a miraculous time in which we our grandparents would never have believed possible.
live. Just think how easy it is today, for example, to hold A few years ago I couldn’t help but compare the means
in your hand a small GPS instrument (global positioning of transportation of our day with that of some of my
system) and actually see your exact location, within grandparents of the past century. My wife and I drove
inches, anywhere in the world. A couple of the people I from Utah to Illinois along the old Mormon Trail. It took
regularly hike with use these and with a detailed map in us just three days driving on smooth paved freeways in
hand they can show us exactly where we are at all times a comfortable air conditioned auto to cover the same
on the map. These are now being installed in automobiles approximate 1500 miles over which our grandparents
and they can be made to give a person verbal directions to struggled with tremendous pain and suffering in ox-
any address or location. drawn wagons over several months’ time. This surely
made me aware of the tremendous contrast and also of
Personal computers are another wonderful tool. I am the ingenious and inventive minds of mechanics and
writing this material on a small laptop PC that is perhaps scientists during our recent century.
one tenth the size of the smallest typewriter I formerly
used. But this personal computer does so much more than Similar advancements were made in other means of
a typewriter was able to do. For example, I am able to sent transportation including trains, airplanes, ships, rockets
e-mail messages to friends all over the world by means of and spacecrafts. Super-sonic jet airplanes can now cross the
this little machine at no extra cost! I regularly communicate Atlantic, for example, in only a few short hours, bullet trains
with friends in Europe, Iceland, Tahiti, Canada, and with travel over 200 miles per hour, some ships are like floating
family members all over the U.S. And with e-mail we send cities and spacecrafts can travel to distant planets! We could
and receive these communications instantly. write entire chapters on each of these things but one can
find far better written materials about such subjects on the
With the marvelous advancements we have made in the Internet sources.
past century, it makes one wonder what wondrous things
this coming century will bring.

265

Sagas of My Life

Space Explorations The Atomic Age

Speaking of space explorations, this is another item that I The Atomic Age is the title that has been given to our past
would rank in the top ten stories of our past century. First century. This tremendously powerful force, which has
there was the development of rockets in the forties, and since been used in both destructive as well as constructive
then came the orbiting of the earth and soon thereafter the ways, was first developed as a means of warfare in the
landing of a spacecraft on the moon! I remember my close Allied Forces’ efforts to bring an end to World War II.
friend Viriamu Mapakoi asking me, while we were in Tahiti The atomic bombs that were developed and dropped in
in the late 60’s, if I actually believed what we were seeing Japan at that time did indeed bring an almost immediate
on television when Neil Armstrong was shown walking end to that horrible confrontation after causing the deaths
and bouncing around on the surface of the moon. He of thousands of people. It probably saved many more
wondered if it were not some kind of TV trickery. I assured lives than it took, however, because if the war had gone
Viriamu that it was really taking place just as shown. He on through the means of conventional warfare, many
replied that most of his native friends were insisting it just thousands of U.S. and Japanese soldiers as well as civilians
couldn’t be happening but he quickly assured me that if I most surely would have died.
honestly believed it was actually taking place then he too
believed it. Just think for a moment that if people in some Then after the war, scientists developed nuclear energy
parts of the world could be so skeptical, imagine how hard it sources that have provided vast amounts of electrical power
would have been for our ancestors of the previous century throughout the world. Although it is very controversial in
to ever imagine that something like that could possibly take the minds of many people, it is hoped that much more
place in our time. good, rather than the potential harm, may come from this
great discovery.
Scientists of today are now exploring far beyond our moon.
With the Hubble telescope, which is in a high orbit around Construction
the earth, some scientists claim they have already made
some of the most dramatic discoveries in the history of Construction is the area of work in which I have spent
astronomy. They have already obtained data, which will most of my life so this is a subject that is very dear to my
take many years to fully study and analyze. heart. Probably in no other field has there been greater
and more dramatic changes and advancements than in
Another thing of special interest is the permanent space this one. It is simply amazing to see what has taken place in
platform or satellite in which several astronauts can reside this past century in construction equipment, methods and
for months at a time. They are constantly doing many procedures. And the results one sees in thousands of cities
different experiments there in space that should bring with their beautifully designed sky-scrapers; expansive
greater knowledge and hopefully also provide much benefit bridges over rivers; vast and lengthy tunnels under their
to all mankind in the future. I am personally not convinced, airports, rivers, parks and large parts of the cities themselves.
however, that the emphasis on so much manned space Today there are broad freeways almost everywhere one
exploration is giving us as much return on the tremendous travels; enormous dams that back rivers up for hundreds of
investments being laid out, or that it is as effective, as miles, beautiful monuments honoring great men and great
unmanned space explorations. Certainly unmanned space events; and enormous and monumental buildings that are
travels and explorations would be far less costly than the like lovely works of art created by architectural masters that
present approach. may be compared to the artistic masters of centuries past.

266

Importand Historical Events During My Century

The methods and the equipment that are now used tremendous progress that has been made in this field in the
are no less amazing than the masterful works that have past century.
been produced. We have literally gone from the “horse
and wagon” era at the beginning of the 20th century to One could write hundreds of volumes regarding the
mammoth earthmoving equipment that could carry great improvements brought about through the extensive
more in one load than hundreds of the largest early day research in medicines, vaccines, hospital care, doctors and
wagons could have carried. Our mechanical equipment of nurses’ training and every other facet of this important field.
today can do the work of literally hundreds of workmen of The new medicines and improved procedures of today
years past. And this vast industrial change has resulted in have greatly ameliorated and extended the length of our
advancements and improvements in working conditions lives, and at the same time these great advancements now
that one could never have imagined would be possible. provide most people much improved comfort to the very
Rather than putting men out of work, it has made it end of their lives.
possible to employ far more workers, under greatly
improved working conditions and the results have been Major Wars and Conflicts
to produce far, far greater works!
Major wars and conflicts have no doubt taken place
Medical Advancements among the peoples and nations of the world in every
century since the beginning of time. But, probably no
Medical advancements are much the same as what I have one would question that there has never been a century
covered above. There has been such vast progress made in when so many millions have suffered and died through
the medical field that one can hardly imagine how it could this horrible means as was witnessed during the most
possibly continue these same kinds of advancements in recent century. World War I, World War II, the Korean
this new century. However, because success breeds success War, the War in Vietnam and many, many other lesser
we will no doubt make even greater and faster advances conflicts around the world have caused human suffering
in the coming years. With the many recent medical that must surely have surpassed any experienced before in
improvements, we have also witnessed a great increase in the world’s history.
life expectancy, from 47 to 77 years this past century. Today,
a newborn in America can enjoy an average life expectancy What a strange paradox it is that during the most socially
of about 80 years. Those people now living who are over and scientifically advanced period of our human existence
60 years of age are the fastest growing group in most of the we should at the same time have to experience these
advanced nations of the world. Illnesses such as polio have devastating conflicts that caused such massive destruction
been almost eradiated. It seems the only disease today that and killed and maimed so many human beings! And what
is not being adequately controlled is AIDS. This is so very is even more bewildering is that so many of these conflicts
sad because, for the most part, it is caused by the life style of are purportedly caused by differences in peoples’ basic
those involved. religious beliefs – beliefs that generally foster the very
opposite of making war. I don’t mean to sound as though
It is very common today to see that vital organs such as the I am opposed to war for such is not the case. There are
heart, the liver, the lungs, etc., are being replaced every day surely times and conditions that justify taking up arms to
in medical centers around the world, especially in the U.S. defend liberty and justice against tyrants. The thing that
And all of us know of friends or acquaintances that have had surprises me is that people and nations continue to allow
knee or hip joints replaced. It is simply amazing to see the tyrants to come forth.

267

Sagas of My Life

Perhaps I should have placed this final item earlier among optimistic) to show the very different and contrasting kinds
the ten that I chose as the “top news stories” of our century of things that have made our past century more precisely
because I usually like to conclude most things I’m involved what it really was.
with on a more positive note. However, after giving the
matter some careful thought, I decided that perhaps it In summary then, it seems quite appropriate to repeat the
is more realistic (regardless of my trying always to be oft quoted statement that this, our past century, truly was
“the best of times and the worst of times!”

268

Chapter 15

SUMMARY OF LIFE’S
HIGHLIGHTS

Sagas of My Life

SUMMARY OF LIFE’S HIGHLIGHTS

The following is a listing of what I would consider Built several homes for my own family (Spanish Fork, West
to have been my most interesting activities or Jordan, Sundance, St. George., Palisades) and directed the
accomplishments throughout my lifetime. However, works and remodeling of a number of others.
all of these items are covered in more detail in the
forgoing chapters so I will simply list them here Served for six years as a construction supervisor for the
without additional elaboration. Church in Europe and in the South Pacific building a
school, chapels, residences, etc.
Various employments including cowboying, farming,
construction work, parachuting, firefighting, teaching, and Served with the Church Building Department for 26 years.
Consular assignment. To provide better care for the temples, I was assigned to
develop and manage the Temple Renovation & Maintenance
Early school activities included varsity sports, Thespian program for 16 years prior to my retirement in 1993.
activities, Honor Student and Student body President at
Spanish Fork high school. Served a number of Church missions including: a
proselyting mission in France, building missions in Western
Brigham Young University graduate with some Europe and the South Pacific, a service mission at Church
post graduate studies at Utah State University headquarters and missions at two temples.
and BYU. Was a school teacher for six years in
California and Utah. Served in various Church positions such as counselor
to two Temple Presidents, Temple worker and Sealer,
Enjoyed outdoor sports including snow and water skiing, Counselor to two Mission Presidents, Branch President,
fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, parachuting, mountain District President, Bishopric member, Elders Quorum
climbing, horseback riding and snorkeling and sailing in President, High Priest Group Leader, Scout Leader and
the South Pacific. various teaching assignments.

Serving in the military as a paratrooper. Invited to Officer Served for several years as the Honorary Consul of Iceland
Candidate School. Spent time in New York City and for the Intermountain States in and around Utah. I’ve
Washington D.C. on special military assignments. always enjoyed anything relating to Iceland and Icelanders.

Developed some proficiency in languages, speaking fluent Enjoyed a great deal of traveling throughout the world
English and French with some knowledge of Tahitian, including North and South America, Europe, Africa,
Icelandic, Spanish and German. Near East, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. The only
continent I’ve missed is Antarctica.

270

Summary of Life’s Highlights

I have greatly enjoyed my personal library of several of and enjoy as much as we possibly can. Also I hope I have
hundred books. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures perhaps been the means, in some degree, to have possibly
together with a keen enjoyment of good classical music. helped a number of others in obtaining many and/or even
more of these same kinds of blessings than I have received
Perhaps the best thing of all in my lengthy life of over 75 throughout my life.
years has been the warm relationships I have enjoyed
with parents, siblings and extended family. And the role I wish to conclude my personal history by sharing my
of husband, father and grandfather in my own immediate deepest feelings and testimony about my strong belief in
family has been such a tremendous blessing. An added the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have been blessed with answers
extension of such blessings has been the fine association to humble prayers and have experienced the undeniable
with many special and dear friends throughout my lifetime! “burning in the bosom” witness from the Holy Ghost that
Jesus was and is our Redeemer and Savior. Also I know
I must add here in conclusion that my life has been very that through following His clear example on how to live
fulfilling, especially kind and rewarding and also, for the our lives, we can find peace, tranquility and true happiness
most part, really interesting and enjoyable. It has been in this life, and, in so doing, obtain Eternal Life with Him.
so good, in fact, that I must sincerely express thanks and I want my children and my grandchildren to know how
gratitude to my Eternal Father for the many blessings that I strongly I feel about these things and sincerely hope and
have been given throughout this interesting mortal phase of pray that they will seek and find for themselves the same
an eternal existence that all of us should take full advantage assurances that I have about these important things.

271

Sagas of My Life
272

APPENDIX

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX INDEX

1. Mission Statement......................................................................................................................................................................................... 275
2. Mayflower Ancestors.................................................................................................................................................................................... 276
3. Area Supervisor’s Qualifications............................................................................................................................................................ 278
4. Pedigree Charts............................................................................................................................................................................................... 279
5. Adam Chart....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 280
6. Patriarchal Blessing........................................................................................................................................................................................ 282
7. Community Services

a. Senator Hatch Letter...................................................................................................................................................................... 285
b. Request to Earl Monson............................................................................................................................................................... 286
c. David Dangerfield Letter............................................................................................................................................................. 287
d. Stephen Ivey Letter.......................................................................................................................................................................... 288
e. Mary Fraser Letter........................................................................................................................................................................... 289
f. Consul Appointment Letter....................................................................................................................................................... 290
g. Governor Bangerter Letter......................................................................................................................................................... 291

274

Appendix

APPENDIX 1

MISSION STATEMENT OF THOR LEIFSON

The following is a list of guidelines which I have tried to schooling, and emergencies.
follow over the years in order to get the very most out of my Set aside some of my earnings each and every month.
time, efforts and relationships with family, friends, and others Remember to spend less that you earn.
with whom I’ve associated throughout my life. Although I Make money my servant and not my master.
feel I’ve had a really fulfilling and also a reasonably successful Use financial means to serve my family and for charitable purposes.
life, if only I had been able to follow these principles more Learn and develop a new interest or proficiency each year.
closely, I’m certain I would have had an even happier and Develop and maintain a positive attitude. (See the glass
more accomplished life and could have contributed to and half-full rather than half-empty).
helped others much more than I have. I’ve kept a smaller but Keep a sense of humor. Try to find something to laugh
similar list for a long time but have recently revised and added about each day.
to it after reading a couple of good books on this subject. Be orderly in personal matters and in any tasks I’m involved with.
Don’t fear mistakes – fear only to acknowledge them – and
Seek and merit Divine help in my life. then learn from them.
Exercise wisdom in what you consume, in physical exercise
Seek a proper balance with career, family and other activities.. and in what you read.
Read at least one good book (classic type) each month.
A successful home life should be the first priority. (Pres. Outline tomorrow’s tasks today. (Make up a to-do-list each day)
David O. McKay) Utilize waiting time. (Carry reading material or review in mind
memorized material such as poetry).
Never compromise with honesty. Be a self starter and start with the most difficult tasks each
today. (Act rather than be acted upon).
Exercise wisdom in thought, speech, and actions.
These are lofty principles and I agree and relate to what Ben
Keep in mind all people who are involved with you. Franklin stated in regards to our attempts to obtain high goals.
Remember, no person is below you. “On the whole, I never arrived at the perfection I had been so
ambitious in obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the
Be considerate of all others and defend those not present. endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should
have been if I had not attempted it.”
Facilitate the success of others and show sincere joy in
others’ successes.

Hear both sides of any controversy before judging.

Listen twice as much as you speak.

Always seek counsel of others in important matters and decisions.

Learn to be decisive as soon as the essential facts have been gathered.

Seek financial independence by borrowing only for home,

275

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 2

LEIFSON MAYFLOWER CONNECTIONS

Leifson family members are generally aware that, thanks to basic necessities, after their long trip, they really had
Grandmother Mary Bradford Leifson, they are descendants “nothing except good constitutions, loyalty to each other,
of Governor William Bradford who, in 1620, assisted in good sense, patience, forbearance, and devotion to a high
establishing the Plymouth Colony; the earliest permanent religious idea. They lacked everything but virtue.”1
pilgrim settlement in what would become the United States
of America. However, it should also be of interest to know The Bradford and Brewster lines became connected when
that he was not their only forebear who came on the sturdy Governor William and Alice Bradford’s grandson Ephraim
little ship called the Mayflower. Victor Leifson Ludlow did Bradford (1678-1746) married Elizabeth Brewster (1688-
some extensive research and compiled some interesting 1741) who was a great granddaughter of Reverend William
information about our ancestors, some of which I will include and Mary Brewster.
hereafter. There were actually seven others of our ancestors
who accompanied Grandfather William Bradford (1859- To extend this a bit further, John Howland and Elizabeth
1657). These included William Brewster (1566-1643), his Tilley were great great grandparents of Phebe Whiton
wife Mary Love (or Wentworth) (1568-1627) and their son (1737-1793) and Phebe married Simeon Bradford (1729-
Love Brewster (1611-1650); John Tilley (1571-1621), his 1793) who was a great grandson of Governor William
wife Joan Hurst (1567-1621) and their daughter Elizabeth and Alice Bradford. After their marriage, Simeon and
Tilley (1606-1687); and the seventh was John Howland Phebe Bradford moved from Plymouth County, Mass. to
(1602-1672) who later married Elizabeth Tilley. Windsor County, Vermont where their son Joel Bradford
(1773-1837) was born. Joel was married to Tryphena
It is also of interest to note that of the 23 men who both Smith (1767-1837) and they later moved to northern
signed the Mayflower Compact and who also had living Vermont where their son Jehial (or Hial) Bradford was
descendents, four of them are our ancestors: William born on 25 July 1804 in Berkshire, Franklin County. The
Bradford, William Brewster, John Howland and John Tilley. family later moved to southeast Indiana where Joel and
Also of note is that of the 102 people who arrived on the Tryphena died in July 1837 and were buried in the village
Mayflower in 1620, twenty-one of these early Pilgrims did of Patriot. All of the above information, and more, can be
not survive the first winter. It is sad to report that two of found in our family pedigree sheets and the biographies
our eight Mayflower ancestors, John and Joan Tilley, were of some of these grandparents.
among these 21 who died during that first winter.
I will now continue on with the Bradford line to our current time.
Our family members would do well to remember and show
profound appreciation for the many sacrifices, which our Hial Bradford married Abigail Sprague on 21 Aug 1830.
Pilgrim ancestors were willing to endure in order to assure (Abigail descended from the primary family of the first
those of us in later generations a much more enriching and settlers in Hingham, Plymouth Co., Mass. in the 1630’s). Hial
comfortable living. As one historian wrote, the Plymouth and Abigail joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Pilgrims were “absolutely unprepared for the conditions Saints around 1840 in Indiana and then moved their family to
they actually found.” Although they had brought some Nauvoo, Illinois. Abigail’s parents and other family members
accompanied them to Nauvoo.

1 Roland G. Usner in The Pilgrims and Their History (1977, p 75).

276

Appendix

Hial died in Nauvoo in Aug 1845 and was buried there. A Endowment House in Salt Lake City. He died on 26 Apr
few months later Abigail and her children and other family 1916 in Salt Lake City and was buried in the Spanish Fork
members were forced to move from Nauvoo in early 1846. cemetery. Sylvester and Mary Ann’s son, Rawsel Sprague
Grandma Abby’s mother, Abigail Jeffers Sprague, died Bradford, was born on 4 Dec 1869 in Spanish Fork, Utah.
in Winter Quarters, Nebraska and her father, Hezekiah He married Hannah Eliza Jex (1867-1951) of Spanish Fork
Sprague, was among the first to die during the first winter on 22 Mar 1893 in the Manti Temple. He died on 24 Jan
of 1847-48 in the Salt Lake Valley. He is buried not far from 1953 and was buried in Spanish Fork.
Grandmother Abby’s burial plot in the original Salt Lake
City cemetery. Rawsel and Hannah’s daughter, Mary Amelia Bradford,
married Juren Victor Leifson on 24 Sep 1919 in the Salt
Grandmother Abigail later married Archibald Gardner and Lake Temple. She died on 22 Jan 1966 in Spanish Fork.
was living in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah at the Victor Leifson lived for almost 20 years longer and died 11
time of her death on 16 Jan 1879. Sep 1983 in his 90th year. He also was buried in the Spanish
Fork cemetery.
Hial and Abigail’s son, Sylvester Bradford, was born
in Cotton Township, Switzerland Co., Indiana on 17 Victor and Mary Leifson had eleven children one of whom
Nov 1839. He married Mary Ann Jones (1847-1926) was Thor Leifson, the writer of this autobiography.
from Wellington, Kent, England on 15 Oct 1864 in the

277

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 3

278

Appendix

APPENDIX 4

279

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 5

Thor Leifson’s Genealogy Lines back to Adam

Most of the information contained herein was obtained from Ray Engebretsen whom I worked with at the Church Office
Building in Salt Lake City, Utah, in September 1972.

1. Adam 31. Viginer 61. Dygve
2. Seth 32. Made 62. Dag
3. Enoc 33. Magne 63. Agne
4. Cainan 34. Sesep 64. Alrek
5. Mahalalel 35. Bedvig 65. Yngve
6. Jared 36. Attra 66. Jorund
7. Enoc 37. Iriman 67. An(Den Gamle)
8. Methusalem 38. Hermod 68. Egil
9. Lamech 39. Skjalde 69. Ottar
10. Noah 40. Bjar 70. Adils
11. Jafet 41. Godalf 71. Eystein
12. Japhan 42. Fin 72. Yngvar
13. Zethim 43. Frjataf 73. Amund
14. Chipris 44. Odin 74. Ingjald Illraade
15. Chritis 45. Revi 75. Olaf Traetelje
16. Chalus 46. Sige 76. Halvdan Hvitbein
17. Saturnus 47. Volsung 77. Eystein Halvdansson
18. Jupiter 48. Sigmund 78. Halvdan (hin milde)
19. Dardan 49. Sigurd 79. Gudrod (Veidekonge)
20. Erichonius 50. Aslaug 80. Halvdan Svarte
21. Erras 51. Sigurd Hjort 81. Harald Haarfagre 850-933
22. Ilus 52. Ragnhild
23. Lamidon 53. Njord (King of Norway)
24. Priamus 54. Yngve Rey 82. Sigurd Haroldsson
25. Odin 55. Fjalmar 83. Halvdan Sigurdsson “
26. Ironna 56. Svigde 84. Sigurd Halvdansson
27. Thor 57. Vanlande 85. Harald (Hardrada) (killed
28. Jorel 58. Visleur
29. Eridus 59. Domalde near York, Eng. 1066)
30. Vingitor 60. Donar 86. Olafur Haraldsson (King

of Norway)
87. Magnus Olafurson
88. Thora Magnusdottir

280

Appendix

89. Jon Loftsson 97. Gudni Oddsson (Althing 104. Stefan Jonsson
90. Saemundur Jonsson member)
91. Andres Saemundarson 105. Gudmundur Stefansson
92. Magnus “Agnar” 98. Kristin Gudnadottir
106. Brynjolfur
Andresson 99. Pall Jonsson (County Gudmundsson
93. Margret Magnusdottir Sheriff )
94. Flossi Jonsson 107. Brynjofur Brynjolfsson
95. Thordur Flossasson 100. Thorleifur Palsson
96. Oddur Thordarson (Lawyer & “) 108. Sigridur Brynjofsdottir
109. Sigurdur Thorleifsson
(Sheriff ) 101. Asmundur Thorleifsson 110. Juren Victor Leifson
102. Thorleifur Asmundsson 111. Thor Leifson
103. Jon Thorleifsson

281

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 6

282

Appendix
283

Sagas of My Life
284

Appendix

APPENDIX 7a

The following copies of letters relate to some of the community services in which Thor has been involved.

285

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 7b

286

Appendix

APPENDIX 7c

287

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 7d

288

Appendix

APPENDIX 7e

289

Sagas of My Life

APPENDIX 7f

290

Appendix

APPENDIX 7g

291

Sagas of My Life
292

INDEX

Sagas of My Life Berryessa, Max, 57
Bird, Irvin, 110
Adam, Lineage to, 280, Appendix 5 Bird, Stan, 60, 134
American Consul assistant, 154 Birsfelder, Pres. Georg, 170
Apostle, Kip, 79, 234 Black, Gus, 38, 228
Appraisal work, 47 Bois de Vincennes, 135, 211
Arbon, Robert, 110, 112 Bora Bora, 65, 67, 68, 143, 148, 183
Area Const.Supervisor, 60-62, Appendix 3 Bordeaux, 57-60, 110, 111, 114, 116, 126, 128, 130, 132,
Arnaud, Jean, 111, 112, 126
Arnaud, Jeanine, 111-113, 133, 135, 138, 175, 186, 211, 219, 231, 232
Arrington, James, Introduction Bowen, Robert, 94-96
Ashton, Elder Marvin J., 71, 154, 183, 188, 233, 234 Bradford, Abigail Sprague, 16, 276, 277
Austral Islands, 143,149, 183 Bradford, Hannah Eliza Jex, 276
Bradford, Hial, 276
Baker, Fred, 47, 61, 69, 72, 141, 152, 160, 232, 233 Bradford, John (Jack) Jex, 38
Bad Vilbel, Germany, 138, 211 Bradford, Mary Ann Jones, 276
Ballif, Ashlin, 216 Bradford, Mary Amelia, 14-15, 276
Ballif, Bryan, 216, 235 Bradford, Rawsel, 27, 106, 277
Ballif, Don, 110 Bradford, Robert (Rob), 27-28
Ballif, Jae, 235 Bradford, Sylvester, 69, 106, 215, 277
Ballif, Kristin Leifson, 155, 156, 189, 191, 212-216 Bradford, Governor William, 14, 190, 276
Ballif, Nathan, 191, 216, 235 Braithwaite, Reed, 38, 223, 225, 228
Barton, Roy, 51 Brekkhus farm, 195
Beckstrom, Mark, 38, 57, 206, 223 Brenna farm, 192-194
Benediktsson, Einar, 74, 76, 77, 168 Brewster, Reverend William, 14, 183, 190, 276
Benesec, Joseph, 63 Brickhouse, George, 123
Benson, Pres. Ezra Taft, 131, 187, 233 BYU, 17-19, 42, 44, 46, 47, 56, 57, 62, 74, 95, 118, 138, 184,
Berg, Frank, 137
189, 191, 207, 210, 216, 228, 230, 235, 244, 249, 270
294 Brodeur, Attorney, 59

Brown, Bp. Victor L., 71, 72, 188, 233 Index

Cable, Warren, 60 Furlough, Roy, 124
Cammins, Frank, 110
Charleroi, Belgium, 58, 113, 126, 210, 211, 219 Gardner, Abigail Bradford, 16, 276, 277
Christianson, Hac, 61, 68, 69, 154, 160, 161 Gardner, Archibald, 69, 215, 277
Cobb, Ireland, 109 Gardner, Cora, 37
Community services, 179, Appendix 7 Gardner, Gladys, 37
Construction projects, 217, Gardner, Madge, 37, 230
Cowan, Kristine, 37 Gardner, Morris, 172, 235
Creswell, N.C., 57, 118-123, 190, 219 Gardner, Wallace, 55
Garff, Mark, 69-70
Dixie College, 47, 48, 81, 217, 249 General Authorities, 233-234
Geneva Resort, 33
Elliot, Darwin, 37 Geneva Steel Company, 19, 33, 54
Ellis, Harlow, 110 George, Claude, 90
Eriksson, Leif the Lucky, 14 Gilchrist, Vede, 90
Eriksson, Thorstein, 14 Glendora, California, 42, 56, 183, 206, 219, 295
Grand Teton, 190, 233, 244
Faaa, 63, 220 Grant, President Heber J., 108
Fifiri, 155, 156 Grimsson, Pres. Olafur Ragnar, 19, 76-77
Finnbogadottir, President Vigdis, 76
Forest Service, 54, 185, 219 Hagan, Dr. Waldo, 15, 28
Fort Benning, 89-98, 182, 219 Hales, Earn, 33, 38, 182, 184, 223, 225
Fort Bragg, 86, 87, 94, 99, 101, 182, 185, 219 Halkitis, Alias, 87, 229
Fort Douglas, 84, 219 Hassop, Joseph, 60
Friends, 222-235 Haurand, Henry, 130, 137, 162, 231
Havasupai trek, 183, 190
Healey, Freda Kaye, 21

295

Sagas of My Life

Hiking treks, 80, 175, 190, 222, 223, 243-245 Labor missionaries, 109
Hinckley, Pres. Gordon, 170, 172, 184, 191, 233, 243 Lagerberg, Karl, 44, 59, 213
Hinckley, Pres. Rulon T., 127-128 L’Anse aux Meadows, 170
Hinckley, Mark, 128 Larsen, Elder Dean, 141, 148, 214
Historic highlights, 254-256 Larsen, Perry (Cap), 15, 35
Hjalmarsdottir, Hjalmfridur, 188, 194-195 Leavitt Construction, 44, 118
Homes, 217-220 Lee, Pres. Harold B., 211
Hunter, Pres. Howard W., 131, 154, 187, 233 Lee, Pres. Harold W., 90, 96-97
Hunter, Milton R., 108 Leese, Bryan, 90, 96
Hughes, Patriarch H. Eugene, 108 LeFevre, Paul, 90
Leifson, Alisha, 216
Iceland, 14, 19, 26, 72, 74, 76, 118, 131, 154, 170, 178, 183- Leifson, Allen, 15, 19, 33, 53-54, 258
195, 211, 219, 248, 262, 265 Leifson, Christopher (Chris), 184, 215
Leifson, Collette, 215
Ingvarsson, Ingvi, 74-76 Leifson, Eric, 125, 126, 129, 131, 184, 209-215, 239
Institute of Continued Learning (ICL), 81 Leifson, Erika, 184, 215
Leifson, Freda Kaye Healey, 21
Jex, Hannah Eliza, 248 Leifson, Glen Bradford, 15, 17-18
Johnson, David, 52 Leifson, Hal Victor, 125, 126, 129, 183, 184, 210, 213-216,
Johnson, Gilbert, 52
Johnson, Zina, 40 239
Jolley, Clarence, 110 Leifson, Jack, 15, 20
Leifson, J. Victor, 14-15, 22, 56, 72, 106, 194, 277
Karlsefni, (see Thordarsson) Leifson, Janette (Jan) Robison, 184, 215
Keith, Dan, 100-101, 229 Leifson, June, 15, 20, 134
Kennedy, Pres. John F., 132, 263 Leifson, Jon, 120, 125, 126, 178, 210, 215-217
Kimball, Pres. Spenser W., 71, 131, 188, 233 Leifson, Loyce Partridge, 14, 18, 19, 42, 47-48, 57, 60, 68,
Kjartansson, Oscar, 194
Kulani ship, 146 74, 76, 78, 81, 106, 118, 120, 123, 126, 129, 130-134,
154-156, 162, 166, 168, 170-196, 206-209, 211-217,
220, 230, 231, 242, 249

296

Index

Leifson, Marilyn Thacker, 20 Marriage, 206-207
Leifson, Mark Lewis, 15, 21 Mayflower ancestors, 14, 276, Appendix 2
Leifson, Mary Bradford, 14-15, 17, 22, 246, 277 McKay, Pres. David O., 111-112, 118, 275, Appendix 1
Leifson, Mary Lou Whiting, 19 McKell, Freda Leifson, 15, 17, 22, 27
Leifson, Megan, 215 McKell, William, 17
Leifson, Rachael, 216 McKinley, Lynn, 109
Leifson, Ruth Nelson, 18 Medical list, 254-255, 256
Leifson, Ted, 15, 18, 27, 38, 50, 57, 62, 84, 118, 141, 227 Mendenhall, Wendell, 118
Leifson, Thor, 15, 18-19. 43, 53, 58, 70, 71, 74, 76, 86, 92, Merrill, Elder Joseph F., 108
Mervin of Manahi, 146-147
94, 97, 101, 122, 131-134, 153, 170, 226, 227, 229, Mission #1, 106
256-275, 277, 280, 285 Mission #2,
Leifson, Trevor Jared, 215
Leifsson, Brynjar Thor, 192, 211 Virginia Stake, 118
LeJeune, Attorney, 66-68 European Stake, 125
Levkoff, Jack, 121 Mission #3, 141
Ludlow, Daniel, 18, 130, 190 Mission #4, 162
Ludlow, Luene Leifson, 15, 18, 27, 182-184, 190, 191 Mission # 5, 166
Ludlow, Victor Leifson, 276 Mission Statement, 10, 275, Appendix 1
Lund, Glen, 166 Money, Mark, 195
Monson, Pres. Thomas S., 170, 233
Madsen yacht, 68, 213 Morgan, Dan, 100-101, 229
MacPherson, Bishop Arthur, 58, 119, 123-125, 219 Mormon Monument, 195
MacPherson, Big Red, 124 Mormon Pond, 195
Mamaruau grandmothers, 154
Mapakoi, Villiamu (Bill), 141, 142-146, 151, 153, 155, 159, Nancy, France, 110-111, 113, 115, 126, 219
Navarro Construction Co., 129-130
214, 230, 231 Nogent-sur-Marne, 60, 134-135, 211, 219
Mapakoi, Emma, 141, 155-156, 230, 231 Noumea, New Caledonia, 153-154, 183
Mapakoi, Viriamu, 266

297

Sagas of My Life

Nupur farm, 192-194 Pullman, Elaine Leifson, 15, 20-21

Officer Candidate School (OCS), 95, 270 Read, Dr. Edwin, 46
Orleans, France, 110-111, 115, 219 Real Estate List, 258
Ottesen, LaReece, 37, 230 Red-headed baby, 156-159
Outrigger canoe, 68, 143, 213, 214 Redford, Robert, 78
Richards, Karl, 65, 152
Packer, Pres. Boyd K., 233-234 Richards, Elder LeGrand, 233, 234
Packer, Professor Thane, 62, 118 Richards, Ralph, 65
Papeete, Tahiti, 63-68, 143-160, 212-214, 220 Robertson, Victor, 101
Paris, France, 58-60, 71, 106, 110-116, 126-127, 130-138, Romney, Elder Marion G., 233-234
Rosenbaum, Afton Leifson, 15, 19
135, 183, 210 Rosenbaum, Var, 19
Paratroopers, 87, 91-98, 256 Rosenvall, Albert, 125
Partridge, Louise Engar, 130, 154 Roux, Jean Claude, 113, 114, 127, 175
Partridge, Truman, 130, 154, 206 Roux, Jeanine Arnaud, 112-113, 114, 175
Patriarchal blessing, 108, 274, 282 Appendix 6
Patrick, Emma, 120 Sealing power, 170, 172, 233, 243
Patrick, Bruce, 58, 120-123 Shark rides, 147
Pedigree charts, 274, 279 Appendix 4 Skogar Museum, 192
Peterson, Lars, 47, 230 Smith, Barbara, 37, 230
Phi Delta Kappa, 44 Smith, Pres. George Albert, 108
Pinerro, Sergeant, 89-91 Spenser, Ira, 127
Pirae, Tahiti, 63, 160, 214, 220 S.S. Washington ship, 109
Praita ship, 143 Sterling, Albert (Ab), 60, 134
Project Development Coordinator, 69, 161 Stoker, Florence, 37
Provo High School, 19, 43, 44, 57, 61, 118, 138, 209 Sundance, 31, 32, 78-80, 162, 166, 168, 175, 190, 207, 217,
Portugal, 134, 168, 176, 186-187
Pullman, Charles Dee, 20-21 220, 227, 231, 234-235, 238-239, 244, 254, 258-259, 270

298