ROOSEVELT, Utah — "You will not be alone," President Boyd K. Packer said during funeral services for four members of a Roosevelt family who died in a tragic accident Dec. 16, in directing his remarks to the youngest surviving family member.
"In your own private way, in a way you will not be able to explain, you will not be alone," said President Packer to 14-year-old Trevor.
President Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, was the main speaker at funeral services Dec. 20 for the Bruce Hunt family. Bruce Hunt, 55, his wife, Sandra, 51, and their two sons, Tyler, 19, and Bryson, 21, were on their way to Salt Lake City so Tyler could catch a plane Tuesday for the Missionary Training Center in Brazil. Before reaching their destination they were involved in a car accident on slick roads on U.S. 40 near Strawberry Reservoir. All four were killed instantly.
A capacity congregation filled the Roosevelt Utah Stake center for the services.
President Packer told Trevor that he knows two men who also lost their mothers at an early age — former LDS Church President Spencer W. Kimball and President Gordon B. Hinckley. He has heard both men bear witness that through obedience to gospel teachings, one in this situation can still be close to his parents because their spirits would not be far from him.
"What would appear to be a great tragedy is part of life. . . . They had all the things that matter the most. . . . They were clean and worthy," he said.
"Each of them has gone to where the Lord would have them go and died doing what the Lord would have them do," he told Trevor, who was sitting with his older brother Brandon, and sisters Kimberly and Annalece. All three are married and living away from home.
The question of 'why' that always follows such heart-breaking events can be answered simply, said President Packer. "Because it is a natural law."
"Death seems so far away from us, but one day every one of us will go through the veil. There is always separation and it is painful, because that is love."
President Packer said he wants to see Trevor progress and expects to keep in touch with him over the years, contacting him to let him know of the special events of his life. And he told the young man he has two missions he expects him to accomplish.
"Trevor, you have a mission to honor your parents and you have a mission to serve when called." He admonished the young man to live close to the Spirit throughout his life because he will encounter adversity. President Packer said that even when he leaves this earth, he and others will continue to watch and guide Trevor throughout his life as he lives worthily.
"Trevor, you will see things that will test your courage and extend your faith. We will be watching from above and your parents will be watching you."
President Packer told the Hunt family that the Christmas season will be different for them from now on, but it will still be a happy time. "As Christmas comes around there will be echoes of happiness and spiritual inspiration that will come to you."
President Packer said that while the deaths of Tyler and Bryson were premature they "may not be so tragic," because gospel teachings tell us they will still be able to enjoy all the events that make life meaningful.
Roosevelt Stake President Jason A. Willard said that not too long before the accident he had talked with Bruce, Sandra, Bryson and Tyler on different occasions and in each interview he asked the question, "Are you willing to do whatever the Lord wants you to do?" The answer in each case was, "Yes, I am; or Yes, I will do that."
In Tyler's case, he was asked if he was sure he was willing to serve where ever the Lord called him, said President Willard, and his response was, "Yes, I will go wherever the Lord calls me."
The Hunt family was eulogized as always optimistic, close, fun loving, intelligent and willing to serve in whatever capacity to which they were called in the Church.
Bruce was the operations manager for Moon Lake Electric Association and served in the bishopric of the Roosevelt 1st Ward.
Sandra was a homemaker who taught piano, violin and guitar lessons. She had recently been called as a counselor in the Roosevelt Utah Stake Relief Society presidency.
Bryson had returned home in June from serving in the Oakland California Mission and was attending Utah State University on a presidential scholarship. He was two years away from receiving his master's degree in computer science. Prior to his mission he had struggled with cancer. He emerged the victor, and at the same time so did a more outgoing personality.
Tyler was a gifted pianist who could play a difficult piece flawlessly within minutes of looking it over.
Trevor, who attends 8th grade at Roosevelt Junior High, will stay with neighbors so he can finish the rest of the school year before making decisions about his future. He is staying with the same family where his parents had left him when they went to see Tyler off on his mission.
The First Presidency sent a letter to express their condolences, love and prayers for the Hunt family that was read at the funeral.
"Your parents and brothers are now in the care of a loving Heavenly Father . . . they left a legacy of faith, love and commitment to the gospel," the letter read in part.
Funeral services for the Hunt family were also held Saturday in Enterprise, Washington County, where the family members were buried. Bruce and Sandra met in Enterprise and raised their family in Cedar City before moving to Roosevelt about 20 years ago.
In comments after the services, Bishop Douglas G. Price of the Roosevelt 1st Ward, said there was a community outpouring of love and concern for the well-known family. He said the older children — those who lived elsewhere — were very supportive to each other and Tyler.
"It was hard," he said. "But everyone offered love and compassion for them. It was great to see how the whole community came together for them."
He said President Packer's address "spoke a message of peace and comfort and I could feel that it worked on me. It was a message of comfort that I think everybody in the entire congregation felt."
