Boyd Kenneth Packer—devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, humble servant of the Lord, and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—passed away at his home on July 3, 2015 at the age of 90.
He often referred to himself as "an ordinary man," but he lived an extraordinary life. He was born on September 10, 1924, in Brigham City, Utah to Ira Wight and Emma Jensen Packer—the tenth child in a family of 11 children. He survived polio as a young boy. Later, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot during World War II.
He married Donna Edith Smith on July 28, 1947 in the Logan Temple. They are the parents of ten children. He studied at Weber College in Ogden, Utah, and subsequently received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Utah State University in Logan. He received a doctorate in educational administration from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
An educator by profession, he taught seminary in Brigham City, Utah where he also served on the City Council. Later he served as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a member of the administrative council of Brigham Young University. Much of his service has been with the Lamanite people throughout the world, for whom he developed a great love and desire to serve.
President Packer served for almost nine years as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. While an Assistant, he served as President of the New England Mission for his church from 1965-68. He was called as an Apostle and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve on April 9, 1970. He was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles beginning in 1994 and was set apart as President of that Quorum in 2008. During his life, he was known for his deep love of the Savior and His gospel. He was deeply involved in bringing about the LDS edition of the King James Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, making it easier for members to study and understand the scriptures. He also worked closely with the African ‚American members of the Church and was united with the Twelve when the Revelation on the Priesthood for all worthy male members was received. He was involved in the landmark re-organizing of the Seventies Quorums to assist in the work of the worldwide Church.
He was a Master Teacher with a deep love for learning and sharing knowledge, especially of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His love for people everywhere motivated him to share what they needed to learn and do to remain safe during their journey through mortality. He was able to take difficult subjects and present them in a way that everyone could understand, on occasion using his well-developed sense of humor to teach important lessons. The desire to teach also led to the authoring of numerous books which taught, gave guidance, and inspired. He was widely known as an artist and carver, particularly of birds and nature. Many of his works are on public display. He shared his art to teach the principle that nature bears witness of a divine creation.
President Packer is survived by his wife Donna, and their ten children and their spouses: Elder Allan F. (Terri) Packer, Kenneth (Bobby) Packer, David (Susan) Packer, Laurel (Carter) Dillman, Russell (Cathleen) Packer, Spencer (Pamela) Packer, Gayle (David) Kezerian, Kathleen (David) Bullock, Lawrence (Leslie) Packer, Eldon (Nancy) Packer. He is also survived by 58 grandchildren, 111 great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law Lou Jean Packer and Beverly Packer. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, five brothers, and two grandchildren.
We are grateful for the physicians and nurses who cared for him, especially Dr. Larry Staker. We are also grateful to LDS Church Security, especially Alan Parker, for their help and kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. There will be no public viewing. The family suggests that contributions be made to Family History work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in lieu of flowers.
