BRIGHAM CITY William L. "Bill" Packer, 74, lifelong resident, businessman and community leader peacefully died surrounded by his family September 7, 2001, at his home following 24 years of suffering from a life altering airplane accident.

Bill was born Sept 7, 1927 in Brigham City, UT. He was the 11th child of Ira W. Packer and Emma Jensen Packer.

After serving in the United States Army at the end of World War II he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Carlson, in the Logan LDS Temple March 20, 1950. He worked with his father and brothers at Packer Motor Company for 25 years. In 1970 he founded Wm Packer Inc. a full service real estate brokerage and insurance agency. Later he and his sons and son-in-law founded All Pro Real Estate and Anvil Construction.

Bill was a prominent community leader serving as a Brigham City Councilman, Kiwanian, Rotarian, president of the Brigham Chamber of Commerce, Box Elder County Commissioner, and appointed by Governor Leavitt to serve on the Utah Consumer Services Committee.

His belief was "We seldom pay for the sidewalk we walk on" instilling in his children the importance of paying back to our society through public service. He may be best known for his outstanding Christmas lighting and scene displays that decorated the family home on 423 E. 100 S. for over 40 years.

He faithfully served his Heavenly Father in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as bishop of the 1st Ward, High Councilor in the Box Elder Stake, Stake and Ward Young Men's Leader, Scouting Commissioner, and Gospel Doctrine Teacher.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter (deer, ducks, pheasants) and an excellent trout fisherman instilling in his children a deep respect of nature. He never left a campsite without attempting to make it a better place.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Jeffrey S. (Elaine) Packer, Brigham, Gloria (Randy) Deem, Perry, Janet (Ron) Bingham, Hyrum, Kevin (Ann) Packer, Perry, Ruthe (Kelly) Beckstrom, Nibley, Michelle (Rod) Law, Brigham. Bill and Beverly have 33 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Boyd K. (Donna) Packer, Salt Lake City; and sister, Donna (Al, deceased) Swiss, Eureka, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Adele Packer, Verna Beail, Nona Funk, Opal Fry; and brothers, Ronald, Leon, Lowell, and Doyle Packer.

Services will be held in the Box Elder Stake Center, 400 S. 800 W, Brigham City, Sept 12, 11 a.m. President Boyd K. Packer presiding. Friends may call at the Gillies-Petersen Funeral Chapel, 634 E. 200 S, Brigham, Sept 11, 2001, 6-8 p.m. and at the Box Elder Stake Center Relief Society Room, 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment, Brigham City Cemetery.