Richard (“Dick”) Pickering passed away peacefully at his Lopez Island home surrounded by his beloved family, leaving behind his wife of 58 years, Barbara; son, Jeff (Karlena), and daughter, Jennifer Turunen (Esa); grandchildren, Holly Zoerb, Hilary Smith (Jason), Risto, Lena and Nikki Turunen; sisters, Janet Schwartz (David) and Merry Pickering, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Although Dick did his share of traveling around the country, Lopez Island was his “paradise”; after all he was very special, being born on the Black Ball Ferry line ferry, Klickitat. Collecting vintage cars and trucks were his real passion .. It was always “just one more to add in the car barn at the Farmhouse”. This was the gathering place for entertaining his “cronies” along with, of course, his grandson.

He went to Lopez High School and excelled at basketball and football. In his 20s, Dick worked with the county road crew, later as a lineman for OPALCO; he was a volunteer firefighter and little-league coach. Dick and Barbara moved into the family farm, where Dick grew up, and raised their own family there, tending animals and vegetable gardens. Dick would milk Aggie, our pet Ayrshire cow twice daily for 10 years. It was a very bountiful and full island life. He eventually took over the Lopez Redi-Mix company from his father in 1975, pouring the foundations and tanks for many of the island’s homes until his retirement in 1990. In his retirement he was able to devote his days to his passions, his family and his cars.

Dick had a wealth of endless stories of his beloved Lopez Island that he would tell. People, places and times. It was a richly storied history that he kept in his mind to share with anyone who was interested. His quick wit made those closest to him laugh. He was also renowned for cooking the best alder smoked salmon. He was a man of many talents, and his big capable hands could fix almost anything. He was a perfectionist.

We have lost a larger-than-life and special character, and we will fill that loss with deep and long-lasting memories. It is with forever gratitude that we have all appreciated your love, strength, opinions and guidance from your many special years of life with us. Your Family!