The Obituary

On Friday the 10th, I received a text from both Rebecca and Elaine, asking me if I would be willing to write daddy's obituary.  I was hesitant.  I didn't think I could, but then mom sent me an outline of all the things she wanted me to include and thanked me for being willing to do this for her.
I was committed.  And it was due by Sunday night.
Not much time to think about it, but it was ALL I thought about for the next two days.  I wrote it the evening of Mother's Day and sent it off to my mother.
It included this picture.

Heber Avon (Von) Packard
1926 - 2013
Heber Avon (Von) Packard passed away peacefully with his beloved wife and family by his side on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.  Von was born May 5, 1926 in Nampa, Idaho to Forrest Leroy Packard and Esther Carter Packard, being the 7th of 17 children.  In high school, Von served as the Idaho State FFA President before serving a 33 month mission to the Spanish American Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Von attended Brigham Young University where he met and married his sweetheart Sheila Dunkerley in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple on July 27, 1950.  They are the parents of 12 children: Sheila (Stephen) Driggs, Von Jr. (Ann) Packard, Mark (Bonnie) Packard, Garth (Susan) Packard, Paul (Sherrie) Packard, Marlys (Del) Lott, Philip (Lynne) Packard, Elaine (Mark) Moon, Rebecca (Lance) Garrett, J.D. (Tiffany) Packard, Rachel (Michael) Florence and Jennifer (Paul) Pickett.
In 1956, Von graduated from the University of Oregon Dental School.  He served as a dental officer in the Navy for 2 yrs. at Camp Pendelton, California before opening 'Packard Dental' with his two brothers, Floyd and Ron, in Carlsbad California.  This was a most enjoyable time in Von's life as he and Sheila raised their family with his brothers and their children.
Von loved the Boy Scouts of America and along with all six of his sons becoming Eagle Scouts, he himself, received the Silver Beaver Award. He was gifted with the love of music and a most beautiful tenor voice.  He sang on hundreds of occasions, sharing his love of the gospel and for his family through music.  He sang in church, at funerals and most favorably, sang 'The Lilac Tree' at the wedding receptions of both his children and many of his  grandchildren. He served the church on the high council, as a Regional Representative, a Seminary teacher, Mission President of the Chile Santiago North Mission from 1979 - 1982, Los Angeles Temple President from 1992 - 1995, Stake Patriarch and temple sealer.  His greatest delights were that of missionary work and serving in the temple.
In 2011, Von received the BYU Emeriti Alumni Recognition Award.
Von loved to learn and teach the gospel and as he read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, he developed a great love and respect for both his Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith.  He honored his priesthood and his priesthood leaders.  He was obedient in all things and taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to do the same.  He was devoted to his family, his children , his brothers and sisters and is remembered for his countless hours of playing games, making taffy, singing in his beautiful tenor voice and teaching his loved ones the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Von is survived by his wife of 63 yrs; his 12 children and their spouses; his 68 grandchildren; 73 great-granchildren (and counting) and many friends.  He will be missed  by all those who loved him most.
A public viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, May 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N. 900 E. , American Fork.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Utah Stake Center, 5335 W. 11200 N. Highland.  A family viewing will be from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to either the Temple Patron Fund or Missionary Fund.