Announcements, Obituary

PICKARD, Reginald “Jerry” (November 14, 1940 – July 27, 2021)

PICKARD, Reginald “Jerry”

Jerry peacefully left us in his sleep, on his 58th wedding anniversary to his best friend and high school sweetheart Caroline (Foex). Dad will be missed by his three sons Scott, Steven (Angela), Keith (Jaclyn), grandkids Jared, Kaitlynn, Blake, and Francesca and his furry companion Rascal.

Born in Chatham to Reginald and Marjorie, Jerry was the youngest brother of Bill, Dorothy and Bob. He attended Chatham Collegiate Institute, where he excelled at varsity sports. After High School, Jerry graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education, and the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Special Education. His teaching career began in Kent County in 1960.

Jerry and Caroline came to Kingsville in 1970 where Jerry spent most of his time teaching sixth grade at Ruthven Public School.

Jerry gave effortlessly to his community from an early age serving as the President of the Chatham Jaycees, and a member of Kingsville Kinsmen Club, Kingsville Lions Club, Chatham Rotary Club, St. Georges Masonic Lodge, and coached youth Soccer, Baseball and a Chess Club and managed the Servers Guild at the Church of the Epiphany.

He and Caroline volunteered for Operation Red Nose and Meals-on-Wheels.

From 1972 until 1988 Jerry served Kingsville Town Council as Councilor, Deputy Reeve and Mayor. In 1988, he was elected Member of Parliament, serving Chatham, Kent County and Essex County until his retirement in 2006.

In Ottawa, Jerry served as Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture, Parliamentary Secretary to Industry, Parliamentary Secretary of Public Works, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. In 2003, Jerry was appointed to the Privy Council of Canada.

Having lived a very public life, after retirement, Jerry enjoyed a private life wintering in Fort Myers with Caroline, where he kept busy with playing softball, bowling, golf, playing cards, darts and enjoying the company of their many friends at Villagio.

Keeping with Jerry’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or any charity of your choice would be appreciated or in keeping with Jerry’s life’s work, and gesture of community service would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

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