This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Church and political figures reacted to the news that Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had died Friday afternoon. He was 90 years old.
"He was truly an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. From the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, he represented the Savior of the world."
— Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
"The lessons that he's taught are long in the hearts of people and in their minds."
— Elder Allan Packer, Packer's son and a member of the LDS Quorum of the Seventy
"A native son of Brigham City, his strength and love were felt by church members throughout the world. On behalf of the people of Utah, Jeanette and I extend our sincere condolences to the Packer family and to all with whom he served."
— Utah Gov. Gary Herbert
"He boldly stood as a 'watchman on the tower' proclaiming the principles that lead to faithful families, strong communities and better nations. The principles Boyd K. Packer shared with the world will continue to impact and improve behavior for generations to come."
— U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah
"We join all of our friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the loss of President Boyd K. Packer. We also join in prayers of thanksgiving for his long life of service and dedication to his faith. As an educator, he knew the value of reaching out to the world both inside and outside his church. Thus, we all knew not only of his leadership, but of his kindness."
— The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, the Episcopal bishop of Utah
"I wrote to him in 2013, to revisit and resolve issues from 1993 — by honoring both my work and his, affirming my sincere intent of feminist research, while admitting that I likely caused him some stress."
"[He replied, according to Hanks]: 'I appreciate the sincerity of your feelings and the spirit in which they were written. Know that for my part, I have only admiration and joy to know of your progress and growth' … [which moved me] since it referred to my efforts past and present, not just my return to the church."
— Maxine Hanks, a Mormon feminist and one of the so-called "September Six" excommunicated in 1993. She rejoined the faith in 2012.
"His decades of service to his church and the community and his commitment to his family mark a rich and enduring legacy. We always considered him a true friend."
— Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
"President Packer was a dedicated leader and a man committed to his faith. He was devoted to community and service. As a native and lifelong Utahn, President Packer traveled the world, sharing his understanding and perspective of his church with passion and zeal. Our thoughts are with President Packer's family and those he served."
— Ralph Becker, mayor of Salt Lake City.
mmcfall@sltrib.com
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