Dr. Benjamin Ray Packer

DR. BENJAMIN RAY PACKER

Dr. Benjamin Ray Packer, born in Fresno, California on August 5, 1920, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Fresno home on Saturday, November 8, 2003. Dr. Packer was raised on a farm south of Fresno and graduated from Los Gatos High School when his family moved during the depression to manage the Almaden Vineyards. He graduated with a degree in Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1942, and went on to medical school at the University of Southern California. Dr. Packer graduated early and served as a United States Naval doctor in the South Pacific during World War II. His service to his country took him to Hawaii, Kwajalin, the Marshall Islands and other remote outposts. After the war, he returned to complete a residency at the West Los Angeles Veterans' Administration Hospital and then returned to his hometown of Fresno with his bride, Phyllis (McGrath) to start a practice in internal medicine. Dr. Packer continued to practice medicine until his retirement in 1998 at the age of 78. His medical career was one of devotion to his patients, his staff and the local medical community, and included volunteer work at farm worker clinics on the west side of the valley, service as leader of numerous medical committees, selec- tion as Chief of Staff of Fresno Community Hospital and election as President of the Fresno County Medical Society. Dr. Packer's interests included photography, videography, Model A Ford restoration, fishing, wine making and woodworking. He served as a local 4H Club leader as well as lending electrical and photographic expertise to the annual Lone Star District agricultural booth at the Fresno County District Fair and the Sunnyside Lone Star Little League. Dr. Packer's parents were Ray and Helen Packer, early farmers in the Monmouth-Conejo area south of Fresno, and his brother was Donald Packer of Selma. Dr. Packer is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis Packer, with whom he raised three children, Claudia Feurey of New York, Michael Packer of Lake Forest, CA and Tom Packer of Belvedere, CA; and his sister, Marilyn Wilson, who lives in Fowler, CA. He also leaves eight grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, respectful colleagues and grateful patients. A Memorial Service will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Fowler, 408 E. Merced St., Fowler, CA on Wednesday, November 12, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Fresno Community Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 1232, Fresno, CA 93715, or the donor's favorite charity. WALLIN'S FOWLER FUNERAL HOMEFowler 834-2531