David Curtis Packard's Obituary
David Curtis Packard
May 21, 1935-March 5, 2017
Davis Curtis Packard, loyal son and brother, devoted husband and father and adoring Poppa, returned to our loving Heavenly Father, Sunday, March 5, 2017. David was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1935. He was the fifth of thirteen children born to the union of Clarence Farrell Packard and Catherine Curtis Young. Incredibly handsome and the apple of his mother’s eye, he spent his childhood in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake City and attended South High School. His family then moved to the hills of Bountiful where he eventually graduated from Davis High School. David had an incredible tenor voice and sang with the Sacre Dolce Chorus and Male Chorus while attending the University of Utah. A fierce patriot, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and completed his training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. One of the few LDS marines there, he was given the nickname ‘Preach’ and would often hitchhike to other areas of California to find church services. David was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, the most highly decorated battalion in the Marine Corps. He was deployed to Korea where he spent two years assisting in the defense of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. After his military service, David went on to serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Southern States Mission. He, along with a select group of missionaries, toured the south singing with the Mormonaires. Dave then returned to the U on the GI bill majoring in history. One Thursday night he attended the M-Men and Gleaner dance where a stunning redhead named Linda caught his eye. That evening, he talked Linda into letting him take her home, beating out several other young men who had also offered her a ride. Four months later, on April 13, 1961, David and Linda Charlene Osborne were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. They were blessed with six beautiful children: Kerrie, David Jr., Kim, Kristie, Karman and Kevin. Dave was exceedingly charismatic and charming making him a natural salesman. He was in professional sales for over forty years working long and arduous hours to support his family. Dave and Linda lived in Bountiful for a time where their first daughter Kerrie was born. They then moved back to the Salt Lake area where David Jr. joined the family. Tragically, David was only on earth five days. A year and half later the family was blessed with daughter number two, Kim. They moved a few more times before relocating to Simi Valley, California where daughters three and four, Kristie and Karman were born. Still in sales in Simi Valley, David’s only living son, Kevin, became the best birthday present he ever got. The family loved celebrating their double birthday every year. After thirteen years in Simi, Dave, Linda and their five little K’s moved back to Utah, settling in Sandy, making music and memories from that time forward. Dave was intensely loyal to his parents and his brothers and sisters. They are each others’ best friends, holding regular get togethers where cousins can play and all can visit. Dave loved being with them, looking forward to their weekly Friday night dinners. He is treasured by his nieces and nephews many of whom say he is their favorite uncle. He was a fun and loving dad supporting his children in everything they did. From plays to concerts to cheerleading to parades, he was the kids’ biggest fan. Dave doted on his grandchildren and he received immeasurable joy and respite being with them. He always had a silly joke or trick up his sleeve and he made everybody laugh. He loved anything having to do with history and he adored music. We have incredible memories listening to his beautiful voice while our sister or brother in law played or all gathering around the piano for a sing along. He served in various positions in the church including the Sunday School, Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, Elder’s Quorum, and Bishopric. One of his greatest sources of pride was his rich pilgrim and pioneer heritage. Through his father he is a direct descendent of famed pilgrim John Alden and through his mother, he is a grandson of Brigham S. Young, son of Brigham Young Jr., son of President Brigham Young. He was a true patriot, often saying, “Once a Marine always a Marine,” and was so honored to be a veteran. In his later years he would never go anywhere without his Marine Corps jacket and hat. Dave skirted death more than once. On his transport to Korea, a horrible storm washed Dave and three comrades overboard. Dave reached out and managed to grab hold of a net and pull himself to safety. The other three Marines were lost. One night during maneuvers, Dave was blinded by an illumination grenade and went over a 100 foot cliff. Once again he reached out and managed to grab a bush that was growing from a precipice thirty feet down. He was found and pulled to safety. He suffered the first of many health challenges 28 years ago. Time and time again he reached out receiving help from his beloved companion and amazing family. The truest example of selfless love was the constant care he received from his sweetheart the last ten years.
David is survived by his precious wife, Linda, his children Kerrie (Matt) Webster, Kim (Jonathan) Huefner, Kristie (Kevin) Carlisle, Karman (Ken) Wilson, and Kevin (Emily), twenty seven grandchildren, three and a half great-grandchildren, four brothers, and three sisters. Awaiting his return were many family members including his parents and his son David Jr.
A celebration of David’s life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Sandy Utah East Stake 9636 S 1700 E in Sandy, with a viewing that morning from 9:30 to 10:45 am All who attend are invited to wear a splash of red, David’s favorite color. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Utah Veteran’s Cemetery and Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the Veteran’s Administration, the many doctors, nurses and caregivers over the years and the staff at Holladay Healthcare for their extraordinary care to our Poppa.
Thank you, Dad. You truly made the world a better place for your having lived. Semper Fi.
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