SALT LAKE CITY -- Family, friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said their goodbyes to President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Friday.
Funeral services were held one week after 90-year-old Boyd Kenneth Packer died of natural causes at his home in Salt Lake City. Friday morning, loved ones shared memories of President Packer, and time and time again said they will see him again.
“He lived as he taught, after the pattern of the savior who he served,” said LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson.
For more than 50 years, Packer served as a leader of LDS Church.
“He is an apostle of the lord from the crown of his head to the souls of his feet,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Thousands of people filled the Tabernacle on Temple Square Friday morning to remember Packer's life and legacy.
"Those of us who had the privilege to know Boyd K. Packer personally were constantly impressed by his sense of humor and quick wit," Ballard said. "Somehow he would have an appropriate and humorous response to almost any situation."
Church leaders shared stories of Packer's love for nature and art, but most of all, they spoke of the love he had for his church and his family.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Death can be untimely, even tragic, but not in this case. Where there is love, there is sadness at parting. When your hearts are heavy and your loneliness a burden, remember, oh, remember the words of the lord: 'Come unto me that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'”
Church leaders also spoke of Packer's love and admiration for his wife of 68 years, Donna.
“You have always been his beloved, Donna; You and he will be partners throughout eternity,” Monson said.
Oaks said: “Of course it is painful to part from our dear loved one and teacher, but your faith and your lives have prepared you for a separation that we know is only temporary."
Packer leaves behind his wife, 10 children, 60 grandchildren and 111 great-grandchildren.
“Grandpa willingly gave his agency to the lord. He committed to whatever the lord asked him to do,” said Packer’s son, Elder Allan F. Packer of the LDS Church's First Quorum of the Seventy.
“I testify that Boyd K. Packer lives still; all we knew and loved about him continues,” Monson said.
In lieu of flowers, Packer's family has asked contributions be made to the LDS Family History Center. You can view the funeral in its entirety on the LDS Church's website.
