Funeral for LDS Church leader scheduled for Friday


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BRIGHAM CITY — William and Shanna Smith, of Brigham City, remembered when President Boyd K. Packer performed their marriage ceremony in the Salt Lake City Temple about 22 years ago.

President Packer was William Smith's uncle.

"Marrying into his family and getting to know President Packer has been an amazing experience," Shanna Smith said Friday. "He always spoke about the importance of family and what we pass along to our children ... We'll miss that great man, but we're thankful for what he's taught us and what he's left behind."

President Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and next in line to be president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Friday surrounded by family at home at about 2 p.m. at age 90.

Funeral services will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on July 10 at 11 a.m., Church officials announced Saturday.

Members of the Utah and LDS Faith communities shared their condolences and memories of President Packer. Among those voices were Brigham City residents, who viewed President Packer as not only a beloved church leader, but also a familiar community member and contributor.

President Packer was born in Brigham City on Sept. 10, 1924, and he was known to hold a special place in his heart for his hometown.

When he broke ground for the Brigham City Temple in 2012, he promised to return two years later for its dedication. During that ceremony, he remembered how he once attended grade school on the same ground where the temple was built.

"The temple will always be a tribute to Elder Packer," said David Lee of Brigham City. "He's always been apart of our lives. We'll miss him."

"He was a wonderful man who had a wonderful family," said Brigham City resident Fern Richards. "He was always very complimentary of Brigham City, and I appreciate that."

"I loved Elder Packer because he was never afraid to say the hard things, but he was also compassionate toward everybody," Lee said. "He always had love in his heart."

Utah leaders' condolences

"Boyd K. Packer was both a man of principle and a man who knew the power of principles. He taught that talking about principles and doctrines changes behavior better and faster than talking about behavior changes behavior," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said in a statement.

"He boldly stood as a 'watchman on the tower' proclaiming the principles that lead to faithful families, strong communities and better nations. The principles Boyd K. Packer shared with the world will continue to impact and improve behavior for generations to come."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, described President Packer's commitment to service:

"He has spent a lifetime serving others and testifying of our Savior Jesus Christ. His stalwart adherence to the principles of the Gospel has been an example for all to follow, and he was bold in the declaration of his beliefs. He never hesitated to share his testimony of gospel principles and was a bedrock of strength for his family and for all members of the Church. He was an artist, an educator, and a servant of our Heavenly Father. Elaine and I send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Donna and his family and many friends."

Gov. Gary R. Herbert said President Packer "was unwavering in his devotion to his faith and the principles by which he lived his life. A native son of Brigham City, his strength and love were felt by church members throughout the world. On behalf of the people of Utah, Jeanette and I extend our sincere condolences to the Packer family and to all with whom he served."

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker called President Packer a "dedicated leader and a man committed to his faith.

"He was devoted to community and service," Becker said in a statement issued Saturday. "As a native and lifelong Utahn, President Packer traveled the world, sharing his understanding and perspective of his church with passion and zeal. Our thoughts are with President Packer's family and those he served."

Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, described President Packer as a "uniquely talented individual," in a statement.

"He strengthened the spirituality of many within our community and inspired countless others to provide service to our state, our country and around the world. Deeply committed to his faith, President Packer provided a wonderful example of teaching and living measured principles," he said. "The Salt Lake Chamber and Utah’s business community extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the Packer family at this time. We’ve lost a strong leader. He will be deeply missed."

James Evans, Utah Republican Party Chairman, also extended sympathies to President Packer's family, and recognized his service as a World War II bomber pilot.

"President Packer was a champion of the family, and his decades of service ... will have an indelible impact here in Utah and throughout the world," Evans said in a statement issued Saturday. "On this Independence Day, I want to especially honor President Packer for his military service and his commitment to defending our country's freedoms and way of life."

President Packer's influence extended to those of other faiths, including the local Episcopal and Catholic communities.

"We join all of our friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the loss of President Boyd K. Packer. We also join in prayers of thanksgiving for his long life of service and dedication to his faith. As an educator, he knew the value of reaching out to the world both inside and outside his church. Thus, we all knew not only of his leadership, but of his kindness," said the Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, in a statement.

President Packer's "decades of service to his church and the community and his commitment to his family mark a rich and enduring legacy. We always considered him a true friend," Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, diocesan administrator, said in a statement. "The clergy and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City offer our deepest condolences to the First Presidency and to the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as to the family of Apostle Boyd K. Packer."

Funeral service details

The ceremony will be open to ages 8 and older.

LDS Church officials said the Tabernacle doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and those wishing to attend should be seated by 10:30 a.m. Overflow seating will be available in the Assembly Hall and the North Visitors' Center on Temple Square.

The Temple Square campus buildings will be closed at 10:30 a.m. and will reopen following the funeral at 1 p.m.

A private burial service will take place at the Brigham City Cemetery following the funeral.

There will be no public viewing, but expressions of sympathy can be posted on President Packer's official Facebook page or emailed to condolences@ldschurch.org..

Contributing: Andrew Adams

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