IRVINE JACK PICKERING passed away with his beloved Evelyn by his side at St. Michael's Health Centre, at the age of 94 years.
Along with Evelyn, his wife of 73 years, he will be lovingly remembered by his children: Jean (Frank) Fudra, Ken (Linda), Ray (Michelle), and Dale (Cheree) Pickering; nine precious grandchildren, Tamara, Raquel, Amanda, Mark, Jaylene, Kyle, Kris, Kori and Danyel; 11 great-grandchildren, Britain, Taylor, Evan and Noah, Emily, Kalie, Jocelyn, Grayson, Zachary, Mckinley and Ellie; his sister, Arleen Albiez, and brothers, Roy and Jack Pickering.
Irvine was predeceased by his son, James "Jimmy" Pickering, parents, James and Elizabeth Pickering, brother, Alvin Pickering, brother- in-law, Bud Albiez, and sisters-in-law, Hilda Pickering and Allie Pickering.
Irvine was born in the Van Harlem Hospital in Lethbridge on November 20, 1925 and raised on the family farm, one mile west and four-and-a-half miles north of Coaldale. He married the love of his life, Evelyn, in May of 1946 and they remained on his family farm until he retired to Lethbridge in September of 1999 at the age of 75 years. Irvine was a farmer at heart and loved the land, growing sugar beets and grain. Some fond memories of his were many big family dinners and a family trip to Hawaii in January of 1988.
Throughout their lives they enjoyed adventures to the Philippines and Yuma, AZ as well as trips camping, fishing and boating. Irvine was also a handyman; he built his own motorhome and designed a beet incorporator for seeding sugar beets. He was a hard working, loyal and strong-willed man and deserved the rest of a slower paced life after retirement. He enjoyed playing cards—especially cribbage. He loved life and fought to live it to the very end.
Thank you to all the staff at St. Michael's for their incredible care to Irvine.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the St. Michael's Health Centre Recreation Program, 1400 - 9 Ave. S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
A Celebration of Irvine's Life will be held for all family and friends at a later date.
Rena Woss, May 8, 2020
Wyatt & Dixie Pickering, April 23, 2020
Alex & Irene Onody, April 21, 2020
Len & renee young, April 21, 2020
Debbie & Ron, April 21, 2020
Dennis Opinko, April 19, 2020
Larry & Lynne Andrews, April 18, 2020
Jack Pickering, April 18, 2020