This biographical sketch adapted from the "News
of the Church: Elder Richard B. Wirthlin of the Seventy" published in the
Ensign for May 1996 on the occasion of Elder Withlin's call to the Second
Quorum of the Seventy.
Measuring public attitudes and opinions for nearly
three decades has reinforced Elder Richard B. Wirthlin’s conviction that
solutions to the world’s problems are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Consulting and strategic opinion research reveal
the amount of confusion, despair, and discouragement many people feel,”
says Elder Wirthlin, chairman and chief executive officer of Wirthlin Worldwide.
“The only thing that will bring true peace is an
acceptance of the principles and practices of the gospel.”
Elder Wirthlin, son of Joseph L. Withlin former Presiding Bishop of the Church, and brother to Elder Joseph
B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has served in two
stake presidencies, as a high councilor and bishop, and most recently as
a regional representative.
He was born 15 March 1931 in Salt Lake City and served
a mission to Switzerland and Austria from 1951 to 1953. Afterward, he served
in the U.S. armed forces, then earned a bachelor’s degree in economics
and a master’s degree in economics and statistics from the University of
Utah. He later earned a doctorate in economics from
the University of California at Berkeley.
On 23 November 1956, Elder Wirthlin married Jeralie
Mae Chandler in the Salt Lake Temple. He says Sister Wirthlin’s devotion
to him and their eight children has greatly blessed his family.
In 1969 Richard Wirthlin founded his own survey research
firm in Los Angeles. Later, he and his family moved to Washington, D.C.
A desire to be closer to more family members and a fondness for the outdoors
brought Richard Wirthlin and his family back to Utah in 1995 after 14 years
in the nation’s capital.
Elder Wirthlin looks forward to increased opportunities
of sharing the gospel. “It is a message of real joy and peace that is so
needed today.”
On October 6, 2001, a grateful Church, assembled in the 171st Semi-annual General Conference, gave Elder Richard B. Wirthlin a vote of appreciation as he was released with honor from the Second Quorum of the Seventy.
