Packer remembered as family man, leader
Donna Packer, wife of Boyd Packer, is presented with a folded American flag by Rob Larkin symbolizing her husbands service in the U.S. Air Force during his funeral service at Brigham City Cemetery Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah. Boyd Packer was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 2008 until his death.
Thousands filled the Salt Lake Tabernacle for the funeral service of Boyd Packer, Friday, July 10, 2015 in Temple Square. Packer was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 2008 until his death.
Kristin Packer comforts Andrew Packer during Boyd Packer's funeral service at Brigham City Cemetery Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah. Boyd Packer was the great uncle of Kristin Packer and grandfather of Andrew Packer.
Pallbearer's carry Boyd Packer's casket to it's final resting place during Packer's funeral service at Brigham City Cemetery Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah. Boyd Packer was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 2008 until his death.
Boyd K. Packer's funeral service, Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah.
Boyd K. Packer's funeral service, Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah.
Boyd K. Packer's funeral service, Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah.
Boyd K. Packer's funeral service, Friday, July 10, 2015 in Brigham City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY — Much effort was made during his funeral Friday to remember Apostle Boyd K. Packer as first and foremost a family man.
Packer, who died July 3, was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was remembered as deserving of the highest admiration for his leadership and inspired teaching.
But the leader’s public services in the church’s historic Tabernacle began with a talk by Packer’s son, Elder Allen F. Packer, a member of the church’s First Quorum of Seventy, who spoke of him primarily as “grandpa.” Elder Packer directed his talk to his father’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, admonishing them to follow his example.
“Grandpa has taught that the ultimate end of the church is to see a husband and wife and family happy at home,” Elder Packer said.
He spoke to the youngsters in the audience of the spirit and the body being as a glove on a hand. “When a person dies, it is like taking a hand out of the glove, the body is still. … But the spirit remains alive.”
Elder Packer spoke of his father being a great man but of his experiences also being available to all who seek them.
“You do not need to be a general authority to have those same spiritual experiences,” he said. “You can have them, I know.”
Elder Packer offered his own testimony of faith.
“I add to grandpa’s testimony my witness, called as a special witness, I know my Father lives,” he said.
While Packer’s legacy included an unending effort at leading and teaching throughout his life, those who spoke pointed out to his widow, Donna, that according to the faith he taught, the two would be eternal companions.
Church President Thomas S. Monson said Packer “never expressed a testimony without sharing his love for Donna.”
Monson quoted scripture as he offered condolences to the family.
“‘I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you,'” he said, noting that Packer’s spirit had “merely gone home to the God who gave him life.”
Monson relayed his confidence in his decision to have Packer dedicate the Brigham City Temple in 2012 after learning that the temple site was the same as that of Packer’s childhood schoolhouse.
Monson concluded with a quote from the Apostle Paul of the New Testament, “I kept the faith,” noting Packer’s great example at living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Thomas S. Monson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attends the memorial service for Mormon leader Boyd K. Packer at the Tabernacle, on Temple Square Friday, July 10, 2015, in Salt Lake City. Packer’s death on July 3 at the age of 90 from natural causes left the religion with two openings on a high-level governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Monson also spoke of an earlier example of Packer’s, pointing to one when he was younger and more able-bodied.
“In my mind’s eye, I can still see him at our weekly council meetings, pushing Brother LeGrand Richards in his wheelchair,” he said.
Packer’s human tendencies offered some lightheartedness at the services.
Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, thanked Donna Parker for her efforts to keep President Packer from calling other members of the Twelve before 5 a.m. to tell them what was on his mind.
He also quoted Packer in advising them: “Pay attention to what your wife says. When she says you are tired, you’re tired. When she says you don’t feel well, you don’t feel well.”
Ballard said Packer would joke about his understanding of the rank and file of the church, saying “because I is one.”
He said Packer joked that the difference between being old and being young was age.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks relayed stories about Packer not being afraid of teaching church doctrine even when he knew people could be offended by his words.
Oaks recalled a talk Packer made at Brigham Young University when Oaks was president of the university. He said following the talk, which outlined the need to return to more sacred music during church meetings, Packer joked with him privately.
“Now remember, Dallin,” he recalled Packer saying. “I didn’t come down here to break all the banjos in Utah County.”
In his benediction, Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, offered hope for the future.
“We pray this might be a beginning of more devotion until the Lord,” he said in his prayer.
You may reach reporter JaNae Francis at 801-625-4228. Follow her on Twitter at JaNaeFrancisSE. Like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SEJaNaeFrancis.
