William G. Packer

William G. Packer passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, at his home in Colville, Wash., with his wife at his bedside. Born and raised in Newburyport, Mass., Bill graduated from Newburyport High School in 1955. He was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis Randall, his father, William Packer, his sister, Shelia Gardner, and his stepfather, Joe Demuth.

Bill attended classes in drafting and design engineering, and worked for several companies on contract, giving him the flexibility to pursue his real passion for deep-sea fishing. He soon became one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected fishermen in the area. He ran charters out of Newburyport for tuna and ground fish, and later commercial swordfishing.

Partnering with Wilbur Rogers, Bill bought land and created Roger's and Packer’s Sportfishing Pier in Salisbury, Mass. This enterprise included a boat yard, bait shop, and The Fish Tale Diner. A natural story teller, Bill had the ability to make others laugh and share in his enthusiasm for the sea. He built lasting relationships with colleagues and customers alike.

Later in life, he explored his spiritual side and fought for the environment and wrote a book about his beliefs, deeply regretting his plundering of the ocean and now believing in compassion for all living things. He traveled extensively to speak with ministers and spiritual leaders both in the U.S. and Israel.

Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Phyllis (Carnes) Packer and his four children, Brenda Shirm, Jeffrey Packer (Shasta Pettijohn), GayLynn Collins and Mindy Packer (Michael), grandchildren Jessica Collins and Jasmine Saffold, and great-grandchildren Avery and Andie. He is also survived by Joan (Stiles) Packer, the mother of his children, and Stephanie (Demuth) Colby and her husband Norm. Bill will be deeply missed but never forgotten by his large extended family and friends.

A service at sea will be held next summer in New England, where Bill was born and raised.