Samuel J. PICKERING Jr.

5/30/1917 – 1/17/2010

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. The oldest son of Samuel J. and Elsie (Bixby) Pickering was born in Webster, MA and grew up in Nashua, NH. He is survived by siblings Donald, David and Nancy and their families. His brother, Gardner, is deceased. He studied Civil Engineering for two years at the University of New Hampshire until he joined the Army in 1937. He served in the Alaska Communications System as a communications engineer from 1940-1970. While in Seattle with the ACS he met his wife, Mildred Maule, and they were married in Alaska in 1941. They were happily married for 44 years until her passing on January 20, 1986. Their children, Linda (Rich) Thompson of Kenmore and John Maule Pickering of Denver were raised in homes full of love, humor and kindness. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Janel Thompson Sternoff of Kenmore.He served his country for over 35 years. After retiring from Federal service at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Sam and Mildred moved back to Seattle. He built his home on Lake Tapps in 1975 and his retirement was filled with enjoying activities with his family and friends. He had remarkably good health and a sharp mind almost to the end of his 92 years. He married Frances McCoy in 1988 and they celebrated 21 blessed years together last month. He also leaves her 4 children, Steve (Terri) McCoy; Tim (Anna) McCoy; Kevin (Linda) McCoy, and Diane (Ron) Stracener, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren and they all shared a mutual love and admiration. It was a joy to have loved and be loved by him. He was devoted to his family, had a deep sense of fairness, and his life will remain a model of one lived with integrity and generosity. A memorial service was held January 23 at the Bonney Lake Community Church.

319822