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In Memory

Donald P Pickard

Donald P Pickard

    Donald Paul PICKARD (10/10/1946 - 06/23/2013)

Don Pickard (Age 66) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on June 23rd, 2013, after a two year battle with the effects of a stroke. He was able to spend the last week of his life visiting with family and numerous friends who came to see him, and he even got to go to the lake one last time the day before he passed. He was preceded in death by his son, Bill Pickard, and is survived by his daughter Serena Pickard, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Katherine Pickard, and step-children Troy, Kellie, and Tait Burns. He was also blessed with grandson Justin Trevino, granddaughters Shayla and Taylor Pickard, and Tia Sijer, and great-granddaughter Oliviana Sijer. Also by his ex-wife Kathryn Christensen, who he remained friends with. He was born to parents Paul and Leta Pickard on October 10, 1946 in Spokane. He attended Mead High School, where he lettered in both track and wrestling. He received an Associate's degree from Spokane Community College in Baking, and worked 45 years at Franz Bakery (previously Holsum and Snyder's). Although the baking industry was his job, his passion was coaching. He coached his sons' Youth Sports soccer teams for six years, then coached them in Junior High wrestling at Salk. He followed them into High School at North Central where he coached both men and women's soccer, and was the junior varsity wrestling coach for 20 years. Coach "Papa" was truly an inspiration to a whole generation of young men and women, instilling in them his innate values of hard work, respect for teammates, and joy of competition. He was a loving father and grandfather, who spent his whole life doing for others, and even with all the pain and hardship brought on by the stroke, remained a very positive and upbeat man. He blessed many people with his presence, and will be sorely missed in his absence. We invite all who wish to celebrate his life for a Memorial Service at Sunrise Church, 4718 N. Ash, Spokane, August 9th at 5:30 pm. It will be followed by a potluck and BBQ at Linwood Park in North Spokane.

 
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04/17/15 06:48 AM #1    

Clarice Little (McKenney)

Positive memories of Don at Mead flooded in when I saw his bearded face on this posting.  The wonderful, warm expression in his eyes brought it all back, and I'm sad to read of his passing.


04/24/15 12:11 PM #2    

Donald R Beno

I wresled withn don (don beno) in high schoolhe was a great person with a big heart !


06/07/16 12:20 PM #3    

W Dean Seaman

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing, and his two years of tough survival after his stroke.

I was especially en-heartened by the fact of Don's coaching his kid's and their teams throughout (and after they graduated).  I remember Don's tanacity in wrestling and football, and I am glad that he was able to pass that on.  (One of the smallest, and yet playing one of the toughest positions on the Football team; and downright fierce competitor on the wrestling mat...) 

My heart (and prayers) go out to Don's children, grandkids, and all who knew and miss him.  (Don, Greg Cowen, Llandy James, Paul Kurowia, and others ... --- what a team they must be putting together in heaven...)  


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