RUMFORD – Stephen Clarence Packard, 58, of Packard Road, Peru, went to sleep in Jesus, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, on Jan. 8, and is awaiting the resurrection.

The oldest son of Harold and Marjorie Packard, he was born July 16, 1950. He attended Peru Elementary school, and graduated from Stephens High School in 1968. He enlisted in the Navy on Feb. 3, 1970, and he served for four years as an aviation boatswain’s mate 2nd class petty officer. He married his wife and soul-mate, Grace Magoon Packard, on May 1, 1970. Steve was a dedicated family man. He and his wife raised three beautiful children; daughter, Tracy Lynn, and two sons, Stephen Clarence Jr., and Jason Harold. He adored his nine precious grandchildren. His title as “Bumpa” extended to children outside the family, as well.

Steve worked as a millwright for subcontractors, and was self-employed in a “small engine machine shop” at home, where he worked on boats, motors and snow machines. He was also a disabled Vietnam- era veteran.

As a teenager, he enjoyed drag racing at Oxford Plains Speedway, winning many trophies. His excitement for racing extended into the snowmobile drag races, as did the awards.

He was an avid sportsman, his favorites being: hunting, fishing and camping. He especially enjoyed fishing Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley lakes with his dad, family and friends. Riding his four-wheeler with his grandchildren was also a favorite pastime. His latest hobby was beekeeping, becoming a member of The Maine Beekeepers Association of America in 2008.

Steve was a social butterfly who especially enjoyed the companionship of his family, friends, acquaintances, his beagle, Ruby, and cat, K. I. Kitty. He looked forward to making new friends, and renewing old ones. He had a big heart, a twinkle in his eye and was loved by many.

The 38-plus years of marriage have been a continued journey of happy and sad experiences which strengthened their love for each other. However, the last two years were especially treasured by them as husband and wife. Steve and Grace began a closer walk with God, and were baptized, together as husband and wife, into Christ, as part of the Dixfield Seventh-day Adventist Church, on April 15, 2008. The love of Christ and the church family brought with it a new respect and love for each other, resulting in some of the most loving and precious years of their marriage.

He is survived by his loving wife, Grace Packard of Peru; daughter, Tracy Lynn and husband, Jim Merrill, of Peru; sons, Stephen and Shannon Packard of Livermore, and Jason Packard and Jocelyn Wheeler of Peru; nine grandchildren, Ashley Camille Merrill, Samantha Grace Merrill, Morghan Alyce Packard, Brittney Elaine Packard, Rachael Page Packard, Cassidy Brianna Packard, Michael Joseph Packard, Dylen Stephen Packard and Hunter Jay Packard; parents Harold Dresser Packard, Jr. and Marjorie Theresa MacAllister Packard of Peru; two brothers Robert and his wife, Holly, Packard, of Peru, Richard Packard of Lewiston; sister, Gale Gabriel and her husband, Joseph, of Rumford; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Steve was predeceased by paternal grandparents Harold Dresser Sr. and Florence May Hilton Packard; and maternal grandfather Clarence Edgar MacAllister.