John Pickett

John Pickett Services to be held Saturday, August 22nd, 10:00 A.M. church service, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 1155 Presidents Street, Eugene. Celebration of Life service, 12:30 P.M., John’s Farm on Saturn, 27548 Fruitway Road, Alvadore, Appetizers, dessert, sharing, celebrating John Dale Pickett, AKA Honey, passed peacefully, from natural causes, into the loving hands of the Heavenly Father on August 7th. John’s many positive and unforgettable attributes began as a child when he expressed a delightful sense of humor, which lasted a lifetime. Everyone who knew him was touched by his delight in making them laugh and enjoying a moment of the absurd. Born to James Edward Pickett and Lavina Hayes Pickett in Pocatello, Idaho, he was the youngest of six siblings. John is proceeded in death by Edward, Lois, Eva, Marie and Dorothy. John raised three children: Linda, Jim and Marie. Over the years, he was blessed with eleven grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. Just this year he was delighted to see five generations at the Christmas table which included the blessing of a great-great grandchild. John is survived by Glen Damron, Joy Damron-Linquist, Linda Queener and husband Fred, Jim Pickett and wife Peg and Marie Pickett. As we reflect on the good nature and extraordinary value of our dad, we take note of the history of his life. He was raised in a small southern Idaho railroad town in a family who worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. His army service included tours in Burma and India from 1944 to 1947. Following military duty he attended Washington State College in Pullman, to pursue Veterinary medicine. By this time, however, he had three children and a strong ethic of responsibility. Dad/John moved the family to Eugene where he began is forty-two-year career as a field supervisor for Breeden Brothers, a residential home construction company. His work ethic was firmly rooted in the post-depression war era; he believed every person should have the right to an honest day’s work. This made him a fair-minded supervisor who often extended his supportive nature beyond the work place. We loved and respect our dad, who over the course of his life taught and touched hundreds of people through work, dance, dog training, bowling, swimming and entrepreneurial ventures. Dad had a knack for finding the strength in others and supplying just the right encouragement. He was never judgmental and people sensed this, and warmed to him. He was a warrior for anyone who would follow their interest with a passion. Since the passing of our mother, John’s wife Joyce, in 2006, John found his passion working, what he considered a dream job, on Saturn Farm. Planting gardens in bales of hay, feeding goats, crows, and mowing endless stands of overgrown blackberry thickets, he was in his element. All this was done on his John Deer “Chariot.” His adventures and labors on the farm included family members and extended family. Everyone called him Papa John—or if one of the women he flattered and charmed, he was known as Honey. Although daddy will be missed, his good nature and immense kindness will carry on through each of us. He provides beautiful examples every day which will help us fill the space he left. We love you. Please review post from friends and family on the John Dale Pickett Memorial Facebook page. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary.