Lynn Packer Thomson

Lynn Packer Thomson, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 10, 2015 after 76 years of joyous living. Lynn was born in Rexburg, Idaho on October 20, 1938 to Lester Swainston and Lera Packer Thomson. He was raised on the family farm in Rexburg, Idaho and married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Lou Hoopes, on June 18, 1958 in the Idaho Falls Temple. He received college degrees from Ricks College, Utah State University, and the University of Utah. After a short period of military service, they returned to Rexburg, where Lynn taught at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls. He then spent 39 years teaching at Ricks College and BYU-Idaho until his retirement in 2006. For decades, Lynn inspired students in the classroom through his love of science and gift for teaching. He influenced the lives of thousands of students as he taught physical science, photography, and Book of Mormon classes. Lynn had a strong testimony of the restored gospel and of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully all his life in the LDS church, including as a bishop, as a scoutmaster, and, until the time of his passing, in the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. He was a devoted father who encouraged with kindness, valued exceptional learning, and supported every aspect of his children's lives. His greatest joys were spending time with his children and grandchildren and taking pride in their accomplishments. Above all, he loved and cared for his wife. He will be remembered as a gentle, selfless, humble man with a great sense of humor. Lynn is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, and son, Bruce. He is survived by his daughters, Deidre Newman and Sherri Wakefield, and his sons, David, Larry, and Scott. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015, at the Rexburg Idaho East Stake Center (387 South 4th East). A viewing will be held there from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2015. The family will also receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Saturday services at the church. Services will be under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com