Ralph W. Packard, 85, of Rumney, died peacefully of heart failure on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Concord Hospital, Concord, New Hampshire. Born in Holden on December 31, 1925, he was the son of Frank K. Packard, Sr. and Margaret C. (Adams) Packard, graduated from Holden High School in 1943, and attended both the University of Maine in Orono and Clemson College.

Ralph was a navigator during World War II with the Army Air Corps. On September 29, 1951, Ralph married Lois MacKay and together they raised three sons in Holden. He was proud of his boys and their many accomplishments, and while in scouting, served as their Cub Scout leader and later as Scout Master of Troop #180 in Holden. Ralph worked for many years in his family’s business, Holden Engineering, as a heavy equipment operator. He later worked at David Clark Co. in Worcester, and in 1985, concluded his career as a production planner at Fenwall Electronics in Framingham. After his retirement, Ralph and Lois moved to Rumney where they resided for 25 years. They enjoyed snowmobiling, gardening, and spending time with their grandchildren.

He is survived and will be missed by his wife 59 years, Lois E. (MacKay) Packard; three sons, David and wife Patricia, Bruce and wife Lisa, Ronald and wife Kim; four grandchildren Matthew, Brian and wife Jess, Tyler and Alexis; two great grandchildren Kara and Cole; and several nephews and nieces.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11th at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. Holden. A funeral service for Ralph will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 12th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main St., Holden, MA 01520.