Tribute: President Boyd K. Packer

 With the passing of President Boyd K. Packer this past week, we have had occasion to reflect on our personal interactions with this great man.  He has given so many years or leadership, guidance and teaching, he has had powerful influence on many, including us!

Sister Oveson had the opportunity to be served and rescued by him, along with one of his colleagues  31 years ago.  "It was January 10, 1984 and we had experienced a very cold winter. The snows had fallen and left everything iced over. We had been in a deep freeze with the daytime temperatures about 5 degrees F,  I was about 9 1/2 months pregnant and after a doctor appointment had to go to the Cottonwood hospital for a Non-Stress-Test. As I parked on a two inch thick sheet of ice, I knew I wouldn't easily move the car when it was time to leave. I figured it would have to wait until I was done with the test then worry about the car."

"When I returned to the car a couple of hours later, I still was not able to do anything but spin the tires on the ice. I stepped out into the cold to look for some possible help and saw two men in suits and overcoats who willingly came to my rescue.  These two valiant men along with another passerby were able to push the car out of the parking spot and I was able to get traction and return home. These two apostles, Elder Boyd K. Packer and Elder David B. Haight, were heading to visit another apostle, Elder Mark E. Petersen, who passed away the next day. They set the example to me that two apostles are willing to help others in their every day needs, and I was blessed."

When Elder Oveson was a stake president he had to have several vertebrae in his neck fused.  The next stake conference only a week or so before the date, he was told that President Boyd K. Packer had decided to visit their conference.  In the first meeting with the stake presidency before the general meeting,  upon learning about Elder Oveson's surgery, he said "another stiff necked leader."  He then explained that he had gone through a similar surgery himself.  That stake conference was wonderful and it was a treat to sit knee to knee with a humble apostle of the Lord.