Obituary of William B. Packer

Philadelphia businessman William Packer, born March 22, 1929, enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the oil industry. He attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia where he was awarded Valedictorian of his class at the age of 16. He went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering and received a Master's Degree in Business from Drexel University. Mr. Packer started his career in 1950 in the research and sales department of Atlantic Refining Company of Philadelphia. From there he went on to found his own chemical bulk terminal storage facilities. Additionally, he developed his own refinery, Seaview Petroleum, the last refinery built in the USA, in 1976. Mr. Packer was appointed by the Secretary of Energy to serve on the National Petroleum Council. He was appointed to the boards of Franklin Realty Inc., Provident American Corporation, and Provident Indemnity Life Insurance Company. He also served on the board of trustees of Bucknell University, Widener University and Germantown Academy. An avid sailor all his life, Mr. Packer's favorite expression was, "How sweet it is," as he enjoyed sailing his beloved yacht Scotch Mist II around the world. He sailed competitively since boyhood in various one- design and ocean racing sailboats at the Ocean City Yacht Club. Mr. Packer was involved in numerous America's Cup defenses in Newport, RI, Perth, Australia, and San Diego, California as a member of The America's Cup Organizing Committee. He was a member of the Ocean City Yacht Club, the New York Yacht Club, Sunnybrook Country Club, and the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Mr. Packer was an instrument rated pilot who flew his own single- engine aircraft for years. He used this plane to commute to his various business operations along the Eastern Seaboard. Additionally, he was a Lifemaster Bridge player. During the Korean War, Mr. Packer received a navy commission as an Ensign Lt. Commander in Reserve. Mr. Packer married his high school sweetheart, Dalton Bradley, in 1950. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son; William B. Packer, Jr. and his wife, Margaret; by his daughters; Patricia Ayerle and Linda Packer and by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Service information will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Thomas' Church Whitemarsh, 610 Church Road, Ft. Washington, PA 19034.