Alan Packard Johnson

Alan Packard Johnson was born to Clair and Alice Packard Johnson in Provo, Utah, on January 13, 1929. He had an older brother, Russell, and soon after, a younger sister, Aleen. As they grew, their parents were examples of honor, truth, self-respect, loyalty, and courage. They excelled in all things money cannot buy. Their parents taught them the value of hard work, service to others, and instilled in them the desire to learn.

During his early years, Alan was reared in Springville, Beaver, and Provo, Utah. Alan’s mother died during childbirth when he was eight years old. For three summers (while his father studied at The Julliard School and UCLA earning a PhD in music), he lived with his grandfather, aunt, and uncle on a farm in Springville and learned to appreciate farm work and the nature of life there.

Alan moved with his father and siblings to Ogden, Utah where his father was a professor and Chairman of Music at Weber State College. In time, his father married Ruth Olson and their family was blessed with 4 additional siblings: Lou, Gordon, Mona, and Jeani. Alan played the clarinet and oboe in bands and orchestras from the 2nd grade through his 2nd year of college. At Ogden High School, he was student Forensic Manager and participated in debate activities. When he was 15 years old, his brother, Russell, was killed while serving as a soldier during WW2. The deaths of his mother and brother were significant losses in Alan’s life.

At Weber College, Alan served as the Business Manager, an elected student body officer. There he met Patsy Pollard. He soon filled a German-speaking mission to Switzerland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1949-51. Nine days after returning from his mission, he proposed to Patsy. They were married March 17, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple and had seven children: Shauna (Kevin) Lowe, JoEllen (Fred) Hyatt, Justin (Geneve) Johnson, Brenda (Kirk) Knowlton, Doran (Shelly) Johnson, Maria (Andre) Herring, and Jana (Erik) Fuller. They have 37 grandchildren, and 92 great grandchildren. Alan and Patsy resided in Provo, Utah; Bloomington, Indiana; Oakland, California; Abadan, Iran; Champaign, Illinois; Danville, California; and Mapleton, Utah.

Alan earned academic degrees in Business, Theology, and Accounting from Weber College, Brigham Young University, Indiana University, and University of Illinois. Additionally, he was a Certified Public Accountant.

A formative period of their family life was spent in Abadan, Iran, where Alan assisted with the establishment of their first American-style business school. From there, the family traveled around the world four times, visiting 26 countries. He found good people everywhere.

During the early years of his career, Alan was employed in public accounting, and he ultimately became a university professor. He taught at six universities. For 13 years he was the Chairman of the Accounting Department at California State University, Hayward. His professional activities were extensive and varied. He served on numerous state and national committees related to the accounting profession.

Alan’s favorite pastimes were exercising, reading great literature, and traveling. While living in Iran, Alan played a lot of tennis with his friends. During a later period, he played golf weekly, but his favorite sport was running. He was an avid jogger. He carried the baton in a 1978 Mormon Pioneer Trail Relay from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah after congress commemorated that trail as part of the National Historic Trails System. He ran his first marathon in 1984. Later in life, he became an avid sports enthusiast.

Alan served diligently in his church callings which included Bishop, High Councilor, Mission President (in Zurich, Switzerland), and Stake Patriarch. He also served as a Temple Ordinance Worker, a Sealer in the Oakland and Nauvoo Temples, and twice in the Oakland Temple Presidency.

He authored the following books: Fasting, the Second Step to Eternal Life; The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper; Auditing Judgment; Castle of Zion; and Aaron Johnson, Faithful Steward. He also compiled many family history books.

Alan described his wife, Patsy, as “the wind beneath his wings.” She supported all of his goals, activities, and pursuits. He encouraged his children to make and complete “to-do” lists. They remember him for teachings such as the following: “read a good book,” “work hard and do a complete job,” “get a college education,” “run through the tape,” “keep things confidential,” “remember who you are” and “always have a current temple recommend.” For three decades, Alan and Patsy planned and hosted superb family reunions for their posterity every three years. These forged close relationships and gave rise to good fun and profound memories. Alan’s family and many others often sought wisdom, counsel, and priesthood blessings from him.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Patsy; brothers, Russell and Lou; and sisters, Aleen and Mona.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Sunset Heights Stake Center, 1260 South 400 West, Orem, Utah. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Springville Historic Cemetery. Condolences may be extended at www.bergmortuary.com.

Alan's funeral service can be live streamed and viewed for 6 months at https://bit.ly/3ZvUf0u