The 14th Attorney General of Utah, a prominent lawyer and politician, served the state from 1953 to 1961, focusing on water rights and education reform. He played a significant role in shaping Utah's legal landscape.
Vernon B. Romney, a prominent American lawyer, is best known for his two terms as the Attorney General of Utah (1969-1977) and his Republican candidacy for Governor of Utah in 1976. During his tenure as Attorney General, he fought tirelessly to protect the rights of Utah citizens and improve the state's legal landscape.
Romney was born on April 27, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Vernon Romney and Anna Lois Bradford. He was the oldest of eight children in a family deeply rooted in Utah's Republican Party. His father, Vernon Romney, served as the chair of the Utah Republican Party from 1944-1950 and 1956-1962.
Romney graduated from East High School in 1941 and went on to serve in World War II as an infantryman in the 96th Infantry Division. After the war, he earned a BS in political science from the University of Utah and a JD from George Washington University in 1953.
Romney began his legal career as an attorney for the Federal Communications Commission and later worked on the staff of Senator Arthur V. Watkins in Washington, D.C. He then returned to Utah, where he practiced law for 15 years with the firms Romney and Nelson, and later Romney, Madsen, and Cummings.
In 1955, Romney became an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Utah, a position he held until 1959. He was elected Attorney General of Utah in 1968 and re-elected in 1972. During his tenure, he appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, securing the mineral rights in the Great Salt Lake for the State of Utah.
Romney's notable achievements as Attorney General include improving airline service to the Salt Lake International Airport, increasing consumer protection in Utah, and contributing to efforts to reform federal habeas corpus laws. After his unsuccessful bid for Governor of Utah in 1976, Romney served as the Highland, Utah City Attorney from 1977 to 1992.
Romney was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission for the church. He was also a first cousin of George W. Romney and a first cousin once removed to Mitt Romney.
Romney passed away on July 13, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of public service, legal excellence, and dedication to his community.
Vernon B. Romney's contributions to Utah's legal landscape and his commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on the state. His legacy serves as a testament to the importance of dedicated leadership and tireless advocacy for the rights of citizens.
Vernon B. Romney's life of public service and legal excellence continues to inspire future generations of lawyers, lawmakers, and public servants.
65 Years Old
An American soldier who served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and later wrote a memoir about his experiences, providing a firsthand account of the war's harsh realities.
56 Years Old
British rower and commentator who won Olympic gold and bronze medals, and later became a renowned sports broadcaster, known for his charismatic and knowledgeable commentary.
