Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
Pickering, Irvine
IRVINE JACK PICKERING passed away with his beloved Evelyn by his side at St. Michael's Health Centre, at the age of 94 years.
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.
Guestbook (8)
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Irving was a beautiful soul! he was so interesting and more in love with his wife than anyone I've ever met. He sure loved music and sometimes I would look up his favorite songs on my iphone and he would sing. What a wonderful man! I know the heavens are smiling upon him and you his family. Rena
We extend our deepest sympathies to Aunt Evelyn and Family. Cherished memories of Uncle Irvine will always be with us.
To Jean & Frank Fudra: Very sorry to read of your Father's passing Jean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. He lived a very full and productive life and you are so lucky to have had him in your lives for all those years, may God guide you through this difficult time. Sincere condolences, Ales & Irene
Our hearts our with you and your family. Our deepest sympathy
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
My condolences to the family. I fondly recall my interactions with Irvine and mom when they would visit me every year to negotiate a rate, when I managed the Scotiabank in Lethbridge. We always had great meetings and Irvine would tell stories of his past, which I really enjoyed. All the best to the family. Dale, I really appreciated your Dad
We're so sorry to hear about Irvine's passing. We want all the family to know that we're thinking about you at this difficult time.
Personal shock and strong feelings for him comes at a time as a senior brother, he always respected us in all visits. Now we respect him for his sincere contribution to humanity and what he has gone through. He was a family man. We express our loving kindness to him and to those who knew him well. Peace be with you Irvine and in God the Good care, you are safe and home. Tears. Bro. Jack and wife Wendy.