Pickett, Donald Bernard
On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, Donald Bernard Pickett, our Dad, died peacefully in his sleep a month after celebrating his 95th birthday.
Dad was the last surviving member of his family that included his father John, mother Marie, brothers Michael, Allan, John (Jack) and his sisters Mary Stephenson and Helen Loveseth.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Anne, daughter Mary Anne Hepburn, his son David and infant daughter Mary.
Left to carry on Dad’s legacy are his sons and their partners Joe (Ann), Don (Olga),Ted (Helen), Bob (Sandy), Tim (Irene), Paul (Wendy), Bernie (Rose), Gord (Pierre), John (Terri), daughter-in-law Rosanna, and family friend and medical advisor, Dr. Louis O’Connell.
Missing Grandpa’s hugs and wit are grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tom (Erinn) and their children Braden and Neeve; Deirdre Dobos (Jeremy) and their children Aiden, Declan, Anya, Liam and Ronan; Michael; Patrick (Nicole) and children Landon and Collin; Steven; Stephanie (Pam); Matthew (Kristine) and children Cal, Lola and Mac; Rosalind (Cris) and children Lea and Marta; Anthony (Ashley); Courtney and children Emily and Aaron; Kevin (Ashley) and children Owen, Shaye and Kiera; Kristopher and son Kohen; Mark; Wes (Betty) and children Molly, Lucy and Sarah; Alex (Kortney) and daughter Winifred; Samantha (Imran); Megan; Andrew (Samantha); and Riley (Martina)
Dad was born in Toronto and moved to the farm at Kenilworth in his youth. He completed his B.A. at Assumption University in Windsor and began his teaching career at St. Jerome’s High School Kitchener in 1948. He later took a position at Eastwood Collegiate where he became head of the guidance department. In 1967 he was appointed Coordinator of Guidance for the Waterloo County Board of Education.
Dad coached many high school and community football, baseball and hockey teams. He enjoyed cheering his children and grandchildren in their sporting and other activities.
Dad and Mom were founding members of St. Teresa of Avila parish in Kitchener. They were involved in many aspects of parish life. Dad in particular with the Holy Name Society, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Visitation will take place at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, Thursday, September 21st from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, September 22nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (parish prayers at 4 p.m.) and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 23rd at 10 a.m, St. Teresa of Avila Church, 44 Leonard St., Kitchener.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Sunnyside Foundation - Community Alzheimer Program or the St. Teresa of Avila Conference Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Don's memorial.