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.

His Last Day

Family gathered around quickly.

Rachel was singing while mom was talking.

Mom had some last minute requests - say hi to Grammie.

Rachel says her tender goodbye.

Last minute....last goodbye's.

Mom kisses daddy goodbye after his last breath.

She held his hand until he was gone.

My sweet sisters arrived....too late.
Wednesday May 8th.

This post is being written May 20th, 2013.

Wednesday, May 8th.
I was at work and had just arrived back from lunch when the phone calls and texts started.  First Becca...then Elaine, then Becca again.  I knew something must be wrong so I quickly excused myself from work and went into the lunchroom to return some phone calls.  I called Becca first.
Since daddy's birthday on Sunday, the decline started gradually on Monday, but then by Wednesday morning, he had a fever and was breathing rapidly and very shallow.  The doctors were worried.  Over the next few hours, it was obvious daddy was going to pass.  Becca had called to say that if I wanted to see him, I better get up there FAST. Mom was asking that we all pray for a quick release for daddy as he was in such pain and discomfort.  Our prayers started immediately.
Elaine was on a plane by 4:30...Sheila also.  I was stuck at work.  More calls...more texts.  I left work at 5:00.  I got home at 5:30 and was getting dinner ready when Becca called, sobbing. It was 5:52.  He had just died.  I was devastated! I sobbed.  Elaine and Sheila had not made it in time - nor had my brother Phil.
Becca gave me a few details through our weeping and then I spent the rest of the evening quite numb.
My daddy was gone.  I couldn't even comprehend it.  I couldn't get my head around it.  But he was, in fact, dead.  It took several days for me to grasp the truthfulness of the fact until I finally calmed my heart and soul.
A most difficult day.

On Our Way to Utah

One of Del's counselors works for Southwest Airlines.  When I went to Utah in February, he was kind enough to give me a free plane ticket to help ease our financial burden.
Once again, Gabe Peterson's kindness was over abundant.  He gave each of us, me, Kathryn and Del, free airline passes to come up to Utah for my father's funeral.  It comes, of course, with lay overs and more stops than normal, but I'm willing to do whatever it requires to be blessed with a free trip to Utah.
So I took pictures to document our trip.  Del and Kathryn were typical - Del working on his computer and Kathryn doing what she does best...sleeping.  But it was fun.  We made each and every flight and really got here in perfect time.
Becca picked us up and dropped us off at Lon and Loraines home where we will stay over the next few days.  The above picture is where we sat last night and enjoyed their backyard and some nice conversation.
Today, we have my family commitments...a dinner and then a 2 hour viewing for family and friends.  I'm having a difficult time imagining the 2 hours tonight of greeting family and friends...mourners.  I'm wanting to only make it easier for my mom.  If my mother is anything like I have thought she is over the years, she would much rather forget about this viewing, go straight to the funeral, have the meeting and then quietly bury daddy without having to interact with the whole world.  Just simple and quiet.
But there are protocols, aren't there....always expectations to meet and always people to please.
So, I will be where I need to be, when I need to be there, and try to stay as much in the background as protocol will allow me to be. Then I will go home.

Mother's Day Weekend

 Games, toys, slides, climbing trees, painting, croquet, water balloons - volleyball, water balloon volleyball and more fun.  AND a yummy Mother's Day dinner with my family that I love.
Kathryn gave me a $50 gift card, of which I will use to have my house cleaned while in Utah, Mike and Kylie are giving me a gift card to Lowe's, in which I'm using it to get stone steps and bricks for a walkway in our backyard, Lexi and Jordan gave me coupons for special things they are committing to do for me over the next year and Sean and Becky brought me the most beautiful bouquet of arranged flowers.  It's gorgeous.  Such a fun nice weekend.  Thank you everyone.

He's Gone.

My daddy passed away today.
I can't even believe that I just typed those words.
I will have to finish this later.

His 87th Birthday

Today is my daddy's birthday and all my siblings, nieces and nephews and other family that live in Utah, were able to go to a small get together at daddy's place to help him celebrate.  I guess that all those there watched the videos that mom and dad recorded a few years ago of their life history together.  It was awesome - including a very special kiss from daddy to mom.
I have these pictures sent to me so far, but I'm told that Tiffany took some really good one's that hopefully, she will share really soon with everyone.
Happy Birthday Daddy!
I love you....for always.

Three Temple Presidents

The Dallas Temple has been closed for the past two weeks, so Uncle Bob took the opportunity to go up and see my daddy for a visit to 'say goodbye'.  He sent me some pictures of his visit and this was my favorite.
These are three temple presidents.  Uncle Floyd of the San Diego Temple, Uncle Bob of the Dallas Temple, and my daddy of the Los Angeles Temple.  Three very good men.
Uncle Bob shared some thoughts with me.  Felt daddy was worse than he had anticipated and would probably not be with us much longer than a month or two.  Also, he said that daddy was not able to speak much at all, but did manage to express some tender words to Uncle Bob as they said their goodbyes the last day.  Uncle Bob said he was able to understand every word daddy had to say.
I was so glad Uncle Bob had been able to see daddy in person.  They have been very close and dear brothers, just as is Uncle Floyd.
The picture is dear to me.  I will treasure it always.