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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|07|07}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|07|07}}
| birth_place = [[Brigham City, Utah]]
| birth_place = [[Brigham City, Utah]]
| occupation = religious leader, businessman, and missionary
| occupation = Religious leader, businessman
}}
}}


'''Allan Forrest Packer''' (born 7 July 1948 in [[Brigham City, Utah|Brigham City]])<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Elder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/allan-f-packer?lang=eng |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.byui.edu/devotionals/elder-allan-f-packer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219122716/https://www.byui.edu/devotionals/elder-allan-f-packer |archive-date=2021-12-19 |website=www.byui.edu}}</ref> is an American religious leader, entrepreneur, and missionary. He served as a [[General Authority Seventy]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (2008–2018). A descendant of Mormon pioneers, he is the son of [[Boyd K. Packer]], a former President of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]].
'''Allan Forrest Packer''' (born 7 July 1948)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Elder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/allan-f-packer?lang=eng |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.byui.edu/devotionals/elder-allan-f-packer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219122716/https://www.byui.edu/devotionals/elder-allan-f-packer |archive-date=2021-12-19 |website=www.byui.edu}}</ref> is an American religious leader and entrepreneur. He is a [[general authority]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church). A descendant of [[Mormon pioneers]], he is the son of [[Boyd K. Packer]], a former [[President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church)|president]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church)|Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]].


== Biography ==
== Biography ==


=== Origins and family ===
=== Origins and family ===
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Allan Packer is a descendant of Mormon pioneers on both his paternal and maternal sides. His family's connections to [[Brigham City, Utah|Brigham City]] date back to the early settlement of [[Utah]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Avant |first=Gerry |date=31 August 2012 |title=Rooted in heritage of Brigham City's pioneers |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2012/8/31/23225247/rooted-in-heritage-of-brigham-citys-pioneers/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> His paternal great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Taylor Packer, was part of the second group of migrants to arrive in the [[Great Salt Lake]] Valley in 1847 and settled in Brigham City in 1860.<ref name=":1" /> His paternal great-grandmother, Christina Sundby Packer, ran a cooperative city store in Brigham City. On his mother's side, his great-grandfather, Rasmus Julius Smith, was one of the Danish immigrants who reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1854 and contributed to the construction of the [[Logan Utah Temple]].<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Boyd_K._Packer.jpg|link=https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boyd_K._Packer.jpg|thumb|308x308px|Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was the father of Allan Forrest Packer]]
⚫
Allan Packer is a descendant of Mormon pioneers on both his paternal and maternal sides. His family's connections to [[Brigham City, Utah|Brigham City]] date back to the early colonization of [[Utah]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Avant |first=Gerry |date=31 August 2012 |title=Rooted in heritage of Brigham City's pioneers |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2012/8/31/23225247/rooted-in-heritage-of-brigham-citys-pioneers/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> His paternal great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Taylor Packer, was part of the second group of migrants to arrive in the [[Great Salt Lake]] Valley in 1847 and settled in Brigham City in 1860.<ref name=":1" /> His paternal great-grandmother, Christina Sundby Packer, ran a cooperative city store in Brigham City. On his mother's side, his great-grandfather, Rasmus Julius Smith, was one of the Danish immigrants who reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1854 and contributed to the construction of the [[Logan Utah Temple]].<ref name=":1" />


Allan was born in Brigham City, Utah, to [[Boyd K. Packer|Boyd Kenneth Packer]] and Donna Edith Smith Packer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2001 |title=New mission presidents |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2001/3/10/23244769/new-mission-presidents-271/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> His father served for many years in the highest ranks of the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS church]] hierarchy, which deeply connected Allan’s family to church structures. In September 1961, Boyd K. Packer was appointed as an assistant to the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walch |first=Tad |date=4 July 2015 |title=Timeline: President Boyd K. Packer |url=https://www.deseret.com/2015/7/3/20568288/timeline-president-boyd-k-packer/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref> In April 1970, he was sustained as a member of the Quorum.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flake |first=Lawrence R. |title=Prophets and Apostles of the Last Dispensation |date=2001 |publisher=Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University |isbn=978-1-57345-797-2 |location=Provo, UT |pages=505-508}}</ref> On 5 June 1994, he became the acting president of the Quorum, later becoming its permanent president on 3 February 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorne |first=Abby |date=27 October 2014 |title=The Quorum of the Twelve Before They Were Called: Boyd K. Packer |url=https://thirdhour.org/blog/faith/lds-church-leadership/biography-of-boyd-k-packer/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Third Hour |language=en-US}}</ref> He held this role until his death on 3 July 2015. Like other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Boyd K. Packer was regarded as a [[prophet, seer, and revelator]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Mormonism: the history, scripture, doctrine, and procedure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints |date=1992 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-02-904040-9 |editor-last=Ludlow |editor-first=Daniel H. |location=New York |page=1170}}</ref>
Allan was born in Brigham City, Utah, to Boyd Kenneth Packer and Donna Edith Smith Packer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2001 |title=New mission presidents |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2001/3/10/23244769/new-mission-presidents-271/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> Allan grew up in a large family with nine siblings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2015 |title=President Boyd K. Packer: The Artistry of an Apostle |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/leader-biographies/president-boyd-k-packer |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> His father served for many years in the highest ranks of the LDS Church, which deeply connected Allan’s family to church structures.

Allan grew up in a large family with nine siblings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2015 |title=President Boyd K. Packer: The Artistry of an Apostle |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/leader-biographies/president-boyd-k-packer |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref>


=== Education, professional career, and social activity ===
=== Education, professional career, and social activity ===
Allan Packer studied electrical engineering at [[Brigham Young University]], graduating in 1973.<ref name=":0" /> His business career included positions at companies such as [[Boeing]], Eaton-Kenway, and Auto Soft. He also served on the boards of O.C. Tanner, MyFamily.com, and iLumin.<ref name=":0" />
Allan Packer studied electrical engineering at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU), graduating in 1973.<ref name=":0" /> His business career included positions at companies such as [[Boeing]], Eaton-Kenway, and Auto Soft. He also served on the boards of O.C. Tanner, MyFamily.com, and iLumin.<ref name=":0" />


He was active in the [[Boy Scouts of America]], holding various positions in the Great Salt Lake Council. For his contributions, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2017 |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/-eacute-lder-allan-f--packer?country=chile |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> He also chaired the Little Cottonwood Creek Community Council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/allan-f-packer?lang=spa |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=es}}</ref>
He was active in the [[Boy Scouts of America]], holding various positions in the [[Great Salt Lake Council]]. For his contributions, he was awarded the [[Silver Beaver Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2017 |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/-eacute-lder-allan-f--packer?country=chile |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> He also chaired the Little Cottonwood Creek Community Council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/allan-f-packer?lang=spa |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=es}}</ref>


=== Church service ===
=== LDS Church service ===
Allan Packer served in various callings within [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. He completed a mission in the Andes Mission, which at the time covered Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=7 June 2008 |title=Blessings outweigh the sacrifice |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/6/7/23231624/blessings-outweigh-the-sacrifice/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> In May 1970, he became a member of a [[Ward (LDS Church)|ward]] at Brigham Young University and was soon ordained a high priest.<ref name=":2" /> Subsequently, he served as a high councilor, bishop,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=Starszy Allan F. Packer |trans-title=Elder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2008/05/news-of-the-church/elder-allan-f-packer?lang=pol |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=pl}}</ref> counselor in a [[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stake]] presidency,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2017 |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/-eacute-lder-allan-f--packer?country=paraguay |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> and president of the LDS mission based in [[Málaga]], Spain.<ref name=":0" /> He was also a member of the General Board of the Young Men organization affiliated with the church<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inostroza |first=Yamil |date=6 October 2018 |title=Sostenimiento y relevos de autoridades generales, varios de ellos ligados a América Latina |trans-title=Support and Succession of General Authorities, Many Linked to Latin America |url=https://www.faroalasnaciones.com/sostenimiento-y-relevos-de-autoridades-generales-varios-de-ellos-ligados-a-america-latina/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Faro a las Naciones |language=es}}</ref> and worked in the church's missionary department as a field representative.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2008 |title=Called to Seventy |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/4/12/23231823/called-to-seventy/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>
Allan Packer served in various callings within the LDS Church. He served as a [[Mormon missionary|missionary]] in the Andes [[Mission (LDS Church)|Mission]], which at the time covered [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Colombia]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=7 June 2008 |title=Blessings outweigh the sacrifice |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/6/7/23231624/blessings-outweigh-the-sacrifice/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> He served as a [[high councilor]], [[Bishop (Latter Day Saints)|bishop]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=Starszy Allan F. Packer |trans-title=Elder Allan F. Packer |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2008/05/news-of-the-church/elder-allan-f-packer?lang=pol |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=pl}}</ref> counselor in a [[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stake]] presidency,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2017 |title=Élder Allan F. Packer |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/-eacute-lder-allan-f--packer?country=paraguay |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> and as [[mission president|president]] of the church's [[Spain]] [[Málaga]] Mission.<ref name=":0" /> He was also a member of the [[Young Men (organization)|Young Men]] General Board,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inostroza |first=Yamil |date=6 October 2018 |title=Sostenimiento y relevos de autoridades generales, varios de ellos ligados a América Latina |trans-title=Support and Succession of General Authorities, Many Linked to Latin America |url=https://www.faroalasnaciones.com/sostenimiento-y-relevos-de-autoridades-generales-varios-de-ellos-ligados-a-america-latina/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Faro a las Naciones |language=es}}</ref> and worked in the church's missionary department as a field representative.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2008 |title=Called to Seventy |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/4/12/23231823/called-to-seventy/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref>


==== General Authority ====
=== Membership in the general authorities ===
[[File:Brigham_City_Temple_construction.jpg|link=https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brigham_City_Temple_construction.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Mormon temple in Brigham City, Allan F. Packer's hometown]]
[[File:Brigham_City_Temple_construction.jpg|link=https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brigham_City_Temple_construction.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Mormon temple in Brigham City, Allan F. Packer's hometown]]
⚫
On 5 April 2008, Packer was sustained as an LDS Church general authority. His [[Calling (LDS Church)|calling]] as a general authority created discussions of nepotism within church leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spector |first=Jeff |date=21 April 2009 |title=Nepotism in the Church: 2009 Update |url=https://www.mormonmatters.org/nepotism-in-the-church-2009-update/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Mormon Matters |language=}}</ref> During his tenure, he was part of the presidency of the church's South America South [[Area (LDS Church)|Area]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allan F. Packer |url=https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/allan-f-packer/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=BYU Speeches |language=en-US}}</ref> serving as first counselor starting in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 July 2016 |title=Cambios en la Presidencia del Área Sudamérica Sur |trans-title=Changes in the Presidency of the South America South Area |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/7933534772916880638?country=argentina |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> He was also the both an assistant executive director and then executive director of the church's Family History Department.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=8 August 2017 |title=Historic Contributions Small Part of President Boyd K. Packer’s Family History Legacy |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/historic-contributions-small-part-of-president-boyd-k-packers-family-history-legacy?lang=eng |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Allan Packer |url=https://familyhistory.ce.byu.edu/presentations |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=byu.edu}}</ref>
On 5 April 2008, Allan F. Packer was sustained as a [[General Authority Seventy]] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, in accordance with verse 25 of section 107 of the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], he was regarded as a "special witness".<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Millet |first=Robert L. |title=LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference |last2=Olson |first2=Camille Fronk |last3=Skinner |first3=Andrew C. |last4=Top |first4=Brent L. |date=2011 |publisher=Deseret Book |isbn=978-1-60908-059-4 |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |pages=4056-4057, 4062-4063 |chapter=Seventy}}</ref> His responsibilities, following verses 34 and 38 of the same section, included assisting the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in building up the church and regulating all its affairs.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=General Authority Seventies |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/quorum-of-the-seventy?lang=eng |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref>

⚫
He served as a General Authority Seventy until 6 October 2018, at which point he was granted emeritus status.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=24 October 2018 |title=New General Authority Leadership Chart Released |url=https://templehousegallery.com/news/new-general-authority-leadership-chart-released/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=templehousegallery.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2018 |title=Leadership Changes Announced in General Conference |url=https://www.ldsliving.com/leadership-changes-announced-in-general-conference/s/89436 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=LDS Living |language=en}}</ref> During his tenure, he was part of the area presidency overseeing the southern portion of South America,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allan F. Packer |url=https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/allan-f-packer/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=BYU Speeches |language=en-US}}</ref> serving as First Counselor starting in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 July 2016 |title=Cambios en la Presidencia del Área Sudamérica Sur |trans-title=Changes in the Presidency of the South America South Area |url=https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/7933534772916880638?country=argentina |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org |language=es}}</ref> He was also the executive director of the Church's Family History Department,<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=8 August 2017 |title=Historic Contributions Small Part of President Boyd K. Packer’s Family History Legacy |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/historic-contributions-small-part-of-president-boyd-k-packers-family-history-legacy?lang=eng |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> after previously holding the role of assistant executive director in the same department.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allan Packer |url=https://familyhistory.ce.byu.edu/presentations |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=byu.edu}}</ref> His appointment as a General Authority Seventy sparked discussions of nepotism within church leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spector |first=Jeff |date=21 April 2009 |title=Nepotism in the Church: 2009 Update |url=https://www.mormonmatters.org/nepotism-in-the-church-2009-update/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Mormon Matters |language=}}</ref>

As a General Authority, Allan Packer spoke during General Conferences, including in April 2009 and October 2014, when his father also addressed the congregation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allen F. Packer |url=https://scriptures.byu.edu/#::p590 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=scriptures.byu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=7 October 2020 |title=Alguma vez no passado um pai e um filho discursaram na mesma conferência geral? |trans-title=Has There Ever Been a Time in the Past When a Father and Son Spoke at the Same General Conference? |url=https://maisfe.org/para-refletir/pai-e-filho-ja-discursaram-na-mesma-conferencia-geral/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=maisfe.org |language=es}}</ref> Family participation in such events is a common occurrence in Latter-day Saint culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walch |first=Tad |date=5 October 2020 |title=12 things I learned about the church that I didn’t know before general conference |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/10/4/21500695/october-general-conference-mormon-lds-elder-matthew-holland-elder-jeffrey-holland-elder-gong-covid/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>


Packer emphasized the importance of temple work and genealogical research, framing them as integral to personal religious practice. He highlighted that family history efforts are not merely about documenting ancestry but should be viewed as essential components of worship, akin to sacrament meetings, prayer, and scripture study.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=5 October 2014 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer: ‘The book’ |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2014/10/5/23212389/elder-allan-f-packer-the-book/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> Drawing on the Doctrine and Covenants, he urged members to actively seek out and submit the names of ancestors for temple ordinances, linking this effort directly to exaltation – the ultimate goal of Latter-day Saint religious life.<ref name=":5" />
Packer spoke during twice during [[General Conference (LDS Church)|general conferences]], April 2009 and October 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allen F. Packer |url=https://scriptures.byu.edu/#::p590 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=scriptures.byu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=7 October 2020 |title=Alguma vez no passado um pai e um filho discursaram na mesma conferência geral? |trans-title=Has There Ever Been a Time in the Past When a Father and Son Spoke at the Same General Conference? |url=https://maisfe.org/para-refletir/pai-e-filho-ja-discursaram-na-mesma-conferencia-geral/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=maisfe.org |language=es}}</ref> He emphasized the importance of temple work and genealogical research, framing them as integral to personal religious practice. He highlighted that family history efforts are not merely about documenting ancestry but should be viewed as essential components of worship, akin to sacrament meetings, prayer, and scripture study.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=5 October 2014 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer: ‘The book’ |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2014/10/5/23212389/elder-allan-f-packer-the-book/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> He urged members to actively seek out and submit the names of ancestors for temple ordinances, linking this effort directly to exaltation – the ultimate goal of Latter-day Saint religious life.<ref name=":5" />


In a 2013 address at an annual conference on genealogy and family history, he explored the benefits of genealogical work, discussing doctrinal, personal, and societal aspects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prescott |first=Marianne Holman |date=3 August 2013 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer: 'Everyone can do something' |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2013/8/3/23224155/elder-allan-f-packer-everyone-can-do-something/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> Speaking to Brigham Young University students in 2016, he encouraged them to maximize their mortal experience by developing skills, wisdom, courage, and confidence, aligning this potential with the divine nature of humanity and God's literal fatherhood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Elizabeth |date=12 January 2016 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer speaks on life's divine quest |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2016/01/12/elder-allan-f-packer-speaks-on-lifes-divine-quest/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=BYU Daily Universe |language=en}}</ref>
In a 2013 address at an annual conference on genealogy and family history, he explored the benefits of genealogical work, discussing doctrinal, personal, and societal aspects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prescott |first=Marianne Holman |date=3 August 2013 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer: 'Everyone can do something' |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2013/8/3/23224155/elder-allan-f-packer-everyone-can-do-something/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> Speaking to BYU students in 2016, he encouraged them to maximize their mortal experience by developing skills, wisdom, courage, and confidence, aligning this potential with the divine nature of humanity and God's literal fatherhood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Elizabeth |date=12 January 2016 |title=Elder Allan F. Packer speaks on life's divine quest |url=https://universe.byu.edu/2016/01/12/elder-allan-f-packer-speaks-on-lifes-divine-quest/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=BYU Daily Universe |language=en}}</ref>


=== Personal life ===
=== Personal life ===
On 1 June 1970, Allan F. Packer married Terri Anne Bennett in the [[Salt Lake Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2008 |title=Allan F. Packer biography |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/6/7/23231620/allan-f-packer-biography/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> The couple had eight children and 19 grandchildren.<ref name=":3" />
On 1 June 1970, Allan F. Packer married Terri Anne Bennett in the [[Salt Lake Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2008 |title=Allan F. Packer biography |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2008/6/7/23231620/allan-f-packer-biography/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> They are the parents of eight children.<ref name=":3" />


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
<references />


{{DEFAULTSORT:Packer, Allan F.}}
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[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:People from Brigham City, Utah]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 11 December 2024

Allan Forrest Packer
Born (1948-07-07) July 7, 1948 (age 76)
Brigham City, Utah
Occupation(s)Religious leader, businessman

Allan Forrest Packer (born 7 July 1948)[1][2] is an American religious leader and entrepreneur. He is a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). A descendant of Mormon pioneers, he is the son of Boyd K. Packer, a former president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Biography

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Origins and family

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Allan Packer is a descendant of Mormon pioneers on both his paternal and maternal sides. His family's connections to Brigham City date back to the early settlement of Utah.[3] His paternal great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Taylor Packer, was part of the second group of migrants to arrive in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and settled in Brigham City in 1860.[3] His paternal great-grandmother, Christina Sundby Packer, ran a cooperative city store in Brigham City. On his mother's side, his great-grandfather, Rasmus Julius Smith, was one of the Danish immigrants who reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1854 and contributed to the construction of the Logan Utah Temple.[3]

Allan was born in Brigham City, Utah, to Boyd Kenneth Packer and Donna Edith Smith Packer.[4] Allan grew up in a large family with nine siblings.[5] His father served for many years in the highest ranks of the LDS Church, which deeply connected Allan’s family to church structures.

Education, professional career, and social activity

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Allan Packer studied electrical engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU), graduating in 1973.[1] His business career included positions at companies such as Boeing, Eaton-Kenway, and Auto Soft. He also served on the boards of O.C. Tanner, MyFamily.com, and iLumin.[1]

He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, holding various positions in the Great Salt Lake Council. For his contributions, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.[6] He also chaired the Little Cottonwood Creek Community Council.[7]

LDS Church service

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Allan Packer served in various callings within the LDS Church. He served as a missionary in the Andes Mission, which at the time covered Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.[8] He served as a high councilor, bishop,[9] counselor in a stake presidency,[10] and as president of the church's Spain Málaga Mission.[1] He was also a member of the Young Men General Board,[11] and worked in the church's missionary department as a field representative.[12]

General Authority

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Mormon temple in Brigham City, Allan F. Packer's hometown

On 5 April 2008, Packer was sustained as an LDS Church general authority. His calling as a general authority created discussions of nepotism within church leadership.[13] During his tenure, he was part of the presidency of the church's South America South Area,[14] serving as first counselor starting in 2016.[15] He was also the both an assistant executive director and then executive director of the church's Family History Department.[10][16][17]

Packer spoke during twice during general conferences, April 2009 and October 2014.[18][19] He emphasized the importance of temple work and genealogical research, framing them as integral to personal religious practice. He highlighted that family history efforts are not merely about documenting ancestry but should be viewed as essential components of worship, akin to sacrament meetings, prayer, and scripture study.[20] He urged members to actively seek out and submit the names of ancestors for temple ordinances, linking this effort directly to exaltation – the ultimate goal of Latter-day Saint religious life.[20]

In a 2013 address at an annual conference on genealogy and family history, he explored the benefits of genealogical work, discussing doctrinal, personal, and societal aspects.[21] Speaking to BYU students in 2016, he encouraged them to maximize their mortal experience by developing skills, wisdom, courage, and confidence, aligning this potential with the divine nature of humanity and God's literal fatherhood.[22]

Personal life

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On 1 June 1970, Allan F. Packer married Terri Anne Bennett in the Salt Lake Temple.[23] They are the parents of eight children.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Elder Allan F. Packer". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  2. ^ "Biography". www.byui.edu. Archived from the original on 2021-12-19.
  3. ^ a b c Avant, Gerry (31 August 2012). "Rooted in heritage of Brigham City's pioneers". Church News. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  4. ^ "New mission presidents". Church News. 10 March 2001. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  5. ^ "President Boyd K. Packer: The Artistry of an Apostle". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  6. ^ "Élder Allan F. Packer". noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org (in Spanish). 19 September 2017. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  7. ^ "Élder Allan F. Packer". www.churchofjesuschrist.org (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  8. ^ "Blessings outweigh the sacrifice". Church News. 7 June 2008. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  9. ^ "Starszy Allan F. Packer" [Elder Allan F. Packer]. www.churchofjesuschrist.org (in Polish). 2008. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  10. ^ a b c "Élder Allan F. Packer". noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org (in Spanish). 19 September 2017. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  11. ^ Inostroza, Yamil (6 October 2018). "Sostenimiento y relevos de autoridades generales, varios de ellos ligados a América Latina" [Support and Succession of General Authorities, Many Linked to Latin America]. Faro a las Naciones (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  12. ^ "Called to Seventy". Church News. 12 April 2008. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  13. ^ Spector, Jeff (21 April 2009). "Nepotism in the Church: 2009 Update". Mormon Matters. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  14. ^ "Allan F. Packer". BYU Speeches. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  15. ^ "Cambios en la Presidencia del Área Sudamérica Sur" [Changes in the Presidency of the South America South Area]. noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org (in Spanish). 20 July 2016. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  16. ^ Toone, Trent (8 August 2017). "Historic Contributions Small Part of President Boyd K. Packer's Family History Legacy". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  17. ^ "Allan Packer". byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  18. ^ "Allen F. Packer". scriptures.byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  19. ^ "Alguma vez no passado um pai e um filho discursaram na mesma conferência geral?" [Has There Ever Been a Time in the Past When a Father and Son Spoke at the Same General Conference?]. maisfe.org (in Spanish). 7 October 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  20. ^ a b "Elder Allan F. Packer: 'The book'". Church News. 5 October 2014. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  21. ^ Prescott, Marianne Holman (3 August 2013). "Elder Allan F. Packer: 'Everyone can do something'". Church News. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  22. ^ Gillespie, Elizabeth (12 January 2016). "Elder Allan F. Packer speaks on life's divine quest". BYU Daily Universe. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
  23. ^ "Allan F. Packer biography". Church News. 7 June 2008. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
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