Bliss Robertson Packard

Bliss Robertson Packard, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died July 15, 2007. He was the youngest child in his family of five, born to Jacob Asa Packard and Eliza Robertson Packard. He was born on the Packard farm just two miles west of Springville, Utah on January 14, 1917. His mother died during the influenza pandemic in 1919 when Bliss was just two years old. He was reared by his loving father, his oldest sister, Alice, and older brother, Grant.



Bliss graduated from high school in 1935. He worked on the farm with his family for some time. Then he met and married Donna Francom from Payson, Utah. He often said this was the best decision he ever made. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 7, 1938.



Bliss joined the National Guard, and then later served in the Air Force during World War II. He was Bishop of the 3rd Ward from 1954-1960. During this time he was engaged in farming and transporting milk from the farmers to Meadow Gold Dairy in Salt Lake City until 1958. He then became Postmaster in Springville. While serving in that position he was elected president of the Utah Postmasters Association for the year 1974. During this time he visited every post office in Utah, taking pictures of each post office and postmaster.



He was Kiwanis President for one year, then he and Donna were called on a mission to England to direct the London Temple Visitors Center from 1979-1981. When they returned from England, they started spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona to be near most of their family and to enjoy the warmer climate. Bliss and Donna served nine years as volunteers in the Mesa Lutheran Hospital two days a week, loving the experiences and new friendships.



Bliss and Donna have six wonderful children, who have brought them much joy and happiness. Bliss always said they had a ball team and a cheerleader - one girl and five boys: Diane (Roy; deceased) Edwards, Dennis (Ruth Tippetts) Packard, Bruce (Jody Powell) Packard, Blair (Cindy Oakley) Packard, Richard (Jenny Guthrie) Packard, Kent (Janet Bensen) Packard. Currently there are 38 grandchildren, and by August there will be 80 great-grandchildren.



A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 19th, at the Springville Kolob 6th Ward meetinghouse, 1230 S. 500 E. at 10a.m. Visitation for family and close friends will be Thurs. from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.