Boyd K. Packer facts for kids
Boyd Kenneth Packer (September 10, 1924 – July 3, 2015) was an important religious leader and teacher in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Utah, USA, and served in the church's leadership for many years. He became an apostle in 1970 and later served as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 2008 until his death.
Quick facts for kids Boyd K. Packer |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| February 3, 2008 – July 3, 2015 | |
| Predecessor | Thomas S. Monson |
| Successor | Russell M. Nelson |
| Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| June 5, 1994 – January 27, 2008 | |
| End reason | Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| April 6, 1970 – July 3, 2015 | |
| Called by | Joseph Fielding Smith |
| LDS Church Apostle | |
| April 9, 1970 – July 3, 2015 | |
| Called by | Joseph Fielding Smith |
| Reason | Death of David O. McKay and reorganization of First Presidency |
| Reorganization at end of term |
Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, and Dale G. Renlund were ordained following deaths of Packer, L. Tom Perry, and Richard G. Scott |
| Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| September 30, 1961 – April 6, 1970 | |
| Called by | David O. McKay |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Military career | |
| 1942–1946 | |
| Service/branch |  United States Army |
| Unit | United States Army Air Forces |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Boyd Kenneth Packer September 10, 1924 Brigham City, Utah, United States |
| Died | July 3, 2015 (aged 90) Cottonwood Heights, Utah, United States |
| Alma mater | Utah State University (BS, MS) Brigham Young University (EdD) |
| Spouse(s) |
Donna Smith
(m. 1947–2015) |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | Ira W. and Emma Packer |
| Signature | |
 |
|
Contents
Early Life and Education
Boyd Kenneth Packer was born on September 10, 1924, in Brigham City, Utah. He was the tenth of eleven children in his family. When he was a young boy, he got sick with polio.
In 1943, after finishing high school, he joined the United States Army Air Forces. He became a pilot in 1944. He was in Okinawa when World War II ended. His unit stayed in Japan until 1946.
After his military service, Boyd Packer went to Weber College. There, he met Donna Smith. They got married in the Logan Temple in 1947. They had ten children together. He continued his education, earning degrees from Utah State University and Brigham Young University. Boyd Packer also enjoyed art and liked to paint birds.
Career and Church Service
Working in Education
Boyd K. Packer worked for the Church Educational System. This system helps run schools and programs for young people in the church. He managed different parts of the church's seminary and institute programs. These programs teach religious education to high school and college students. He also served on the Brigham City City Council for four years.
Leadership in the Church
In 1961, President David O. McKay asked Boyd Packer to become a general authority of the church. This is a full-time leader who helps guide the church worldwide. He was first an "Assistant to the Twelve," a position that no longer exists. During this time, he also served as a mission president in the New England States.
In 1970, when he was 45 years old, Boyd Packer was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This is one of the highest leadership groups in the church. He helped create new editions of the church's scriptures between 1979 and 1981. He also dedicated Ukraine for the preaching of the gospel in 1991. In 1993, he gave a dedicatory prayer in Spanish for the San Diego California Temple.
President of the Quorum of the Twelve
In 1994, Boyd Packer became the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This happened because the leaders who were older than him were serving in the First Presidency of the church. He served as Acting President for a long time, under two different church presidents.
He became the full President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on February 3, 2008. This happened when Thomas S. Monson became the church president. In 2012, President Packer dedicated the Brigham City Utah Temple.
Teachings and Legacy
Boyd K. Packer was known for his talks and teachings. Many of his stories were made into short films. For example, his talk about singing hymns to help with bad thoughts became a video called Worthy Thoughts. His story about Jesus Christ as "The Mediator" was also made into a short film.
He taught that it's important to follow the rules before looking for exceptions. He also spoke about how hard it is to describe spiritual feelings, like trying to explain what salt tastes like.
President Packer also helped with the Genesis Group. This group supports African-American members of the church. He also worked to get important family history records filmed for the church. He helped film records from different places in the United States and even helped with filming Jewish records in Jerusalem.
Recognition and Passing
In 2013, Weber State University named a family center after Boyd K. and Donna Smith Packer. This was where he had gone to college and met his wife. He was also interviewed for a TV show about the church called The Mormons.
Boyd K. Packer passed away at his home on July 3, 2015. He was 90 years old. At the time of his death, he was one of the longest-serving general authorities in the church's history. His funeral was held on July 10, 2015, and he was buried in Brigham City.
See also
In Spanish: Boyd K. Packer para niños
