Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is Laid to Rest

Heather is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Heather is licensed under CC BY 2.0
“President Packer always felt that if we could read the words of the Lord, we would be far better off and much safer than speculating with our own ideas.”

On July 10, 2015, Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Latter-day Saints was finally laid at his final resting place. The funeral services held in the Friday morning were attended by many followers. It was also broadcasted across several local and online TV and radio stations. The final internment and burial service at the Brigham City Cemetery was kept private for relatives and friends. The family also appealed that instead of sending flowers, friends and followers should just send contributions to the Church’s FamilySearch Fund.

Up to his death, Boyd K. Packer served as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was known by many church members as the master teacher of gospel principles. Because of his in-depth knowledge of the gospel, he fearlessly defended it and wanted to share it to several people. Elder Ballard remembers one important lesson from his leader: “President Packer always felt that if we could read the words of the Lord, we would be far better off and much safer than speculating with our own ideas”.

President Packer is an accomplished artist, a writer, and a good public speaker especially during sermons. Most of his stories were even adapted in short films. Among Packer’s major accomplishments is his participation to the 1971 and 1981 scholar committee which created the new editions of the Ladder-day Saints or LDS scriptures. He is proud of his work and said that “With the passing of years, these scriptures will produce successive generations of faithful Christians who know the Lord Jesus Christ and are disposed to obey His will.”

Boyd Packer originated from Birmingham, Utah born on September 10, 1924. His earliest career was in the US Air Force where he trained and served as a bomber plane pilot during the Second World War. After serving the military, he pursued university and became an educator. By the 1960’s he took part on the administrative works of the LDS Church beginning his career in the religion. Boyd Packer was married to Donna Smith and the couple was blessed with 10 children. And amidst his busy schedule because of his tasks as a senior apostle, he had a wonderful family life.

On July 3, 2015, Packer died at the age of 90 caused by health problems associated with age. He was noted to be fifth longest serving leader of the Latter-day Saints Church and was serving as the second most senior apostle. According to his son Elder Allan Packer, “The lessons that he taught are long in the hearts of people and in their minds.”

Resources

Follow the Conversation on Twitter