Christian's first year seemed quite normal for this beautiful, healthy baby boy but soon it was apparent that his motor and speech skills were developing slowly. An intensive pre- school medical exam diagnosed cerebral palsy, most likely caused by brain injury during his difficult, instrument birth. His doctors and therapists were doubtful that he would walk normally nor enjoy normal physical activities like bike riding. It was unlikely that he would be able to read and write.

As his childhood and youth progressed, Christian grew into a handsome, strong, tall, and healthy young man but was slow in his educational development. He was loved by his friends and classmates because of his friendly, caring, mild nature. He loved riding his bike and was an expert at video games. He was raised on a small farm in Honeyville, Utah and lived with his family for three years in Germany during his late teens where he attended German public school, learning to communicate in a second language. He also worked part time at the U.S. military commissary at a Burger King in Frankfurt.

Although mentally disabled, he was compensated with unusual gifts and abilities. He did learn to perform nearly normally physically, to read and write and had an unusually developed memory for names of people, places, and street names. He was determined to learn to sing and persevered until he was able to sing solos at family Christmas advent programs.

Upon returning to the "States" the family settled in Farmington, Utah where Christian graduated with his special education class from Viewmont High School. He was unable to serve a full time proselyting mission but was able to work part time at a local grocery store and fast food restaurant.

Christian was recognized for his outgoing, sweet, and friendly nature, remembering almost every person's name he had met since he was very small. He had many childlike attributes contained in a six foot two inch tall frame. He was known for his ready, aim, fire handshake offered to everyone he met.

In the spring of 1998 he was extended a mission call from his bishop to serve as a service missionary at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City. He was so proud of his call to serve. A young woman in the ward, Summer Fowers, for her young woman award, and his mother, Paula spent weeks riding the bus with him teaching him how to make the right connections. Elder Packer enjoyed his service and associates. He stocked shelves at the bishop's storehouse. He loved to be called Elder Packer and wore his black and white badge with great pride.

On a crisp, October morning in 1999, after completing 18 months of his two year mission, he walked down from his home on Compton Bench to the bus stop. While crossing the highway at the intersection he was struck by a car. Heroic efforts were made by witnesses, emergency medical technicians and the life flight crew and he was flown to the LDS hospital in Salt Lake City.

When we arrived at the hospital we were met by our Bishop, Rockie Dustin and counselor, Brad Davies who performed a priesthood administration to Christian.

The head and brain trauma was severe and prognosis not good. Much fasting and many prayers were begun by family and friends. Immediate contact was made through the two bishoprics to the driver of the car expressing our concern for her. It was important for us to let her know, as soon as possible, that this was an accident and that we included her in our prayers as well.

That night as the family left it was decided that Paula would go home to console Christian's siblings and that Gary would stay. A small room near the ICU was provided where the night was spent in prayer. During that night an event occurred which is of the "unspeakable" sort. We are restrained from sharing details in this letter. We will say that it gave us great comfort and knowledge that made it possible to deal with the events of the following week. By this we knew that Christian had died at the accident scene which made it easier to remove life support a few days later. We also took great comfort that his harvested organs had given life to other individuals, including a mother of young children.

During the days between the accident and funeral services there was such an outpouring of concern from family, friends and others. A wonderful missionary couple representing the missionary department were quietly in the background offering condolence and support. The mortuary and Chapel viewing was of great solace, as hundreds came, each with a story of how Christian had touched their lives. Hundreds of people we had never met came. Classmates, fellow workers, school and UTA bus drivers, fellow bus passengers, bishop storehouse personnel and many others offered their love and concern.

The sight of the chapel, overflow, cultural hall, stage, and hallways being filled at the services was overwhelming. Christian's great uncle, President Boyd K. Packer presided and spoke and was attended by several other general authorities. A home teacher, Jim Robertson spoke and Christian's sisters Kathryn and Laura sang a hymn.

Although his missionary name badge that he wore on his work clothes and burial suit states "Elder Packer" he died as a priest not having his temple ordinances completed. Our bishop obtained special permission from the First Presidency to have his temple work done immediately, rather than waiting the normal time following death. His elder brother, Thomas stood as proxy for his ordination and other vicarious ordinances.

During Christian's life, his mother always had that overwhelming desire to know her children. Being able to talk to them of personal feelings and beliefs were precious to her. She was unable to do this to the extent she wished with Christian as he was simple and pure as a child. After his death, a picture was enlarged to be shown at the viewing and before the funeral. When the wrapping was taken from the portrait of her son an amazing thing happened. An electrical shock ran through her body as she gazed into the eyes of her son. Christian appeared to her behind his mortal portrait. He emanated deep love for his mother and conveyed to her that he was a magnificent, intelligent, Celestial being who loved and cared about his mother and his smile told her he was happy and right where he was supposed to be! What comfort, what unspeakable joy this was for a mother who has just lost her precious child.

At the time of this writing it is now seven years from the time of Christian's "transfer". Since then, joining his older Brother Thomas and himself as missionaries were his sister, Kathryn's fiancé, now husband, Bryan Roberts, and younger sister, Laura, and brother, Mark. One year after the youngest returned we, as his parents, departed to serve the first of our senior missions. This first, we are dedicating to Christian and are writing this memorial while serving as ordinance workers in the Johannesburg, South Africa, Temple.

Our hope, in sharing this tribute to our missionary son, is that others who have lost or will loose loved ones while serving, will likewise receive the same comfort we feel.

Elder Gary L. Packer and
Sister Paula Packer
26 January 2007
Johannesburg, South Africa