Obituary of Jack Leslie Pickering

Jack Leslie Pickering, age 91, of Milestone, SK passed away peacefully on Friday September 13, 2019 in Regina, SK. Jack is survived by his wife of 68 years, Clarese; children Howard (Pam) of Ft Qu’appelle, SK; Connie (Wade) McKim of Riceton, SK; Barbara (Michael) Bryan of Barbados; Ian (Leanna) of Ft. Qu’appelle, SK; Jason (Callie) of Regina, SK;  grandchildren Cary (Jeannie), Tyler (Katherine), Jordan, Lauren (Eric), Jesse (Ian), Sarah (Nate), Carlee, Amy (Jevin), Erin, Cameron, Aidan, Malcolm and Ewan; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Connor, Jaxson, Lukus, Sloane, Maisie and Daisy.  Also survived by brother-in-law Ron (Gloria) Simpson of Bengough, SK; sisters-in-law Jean Button of Regina, SK, Gloria Pickering of Cranbrook BC and Dorothy Pickering of High River, AB; special niece Michele (Lyn) Reynolds; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jack was predeceased by his father, Leslie; mother Edith; brothers Clark, Maurice and Robert; and sister Florence. As well as, father-in-law Murdo ‘Scotty’ Simpson; mother-in-law Caroline (Howell) Simpson; brothers-in-law Stanley Button and Frank Simpson; and sister-in-law Joan Simpson. Jack was born south of Wilcox, SK, raised on the family farm and attended Vimy School and Wilcox High.  He was introduced to art and nature as a young boy spending time with his grandfather, Hugh. Dad married Clarese Simpson on October 20, 1951 and lived on the family farm and eventually moved to Milestone, SK in 1958. Dad was an accomplished wildlife and landscape artist and sculptor, creating many background paintings and displays at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum during the 22 years he worked there. Over 50 people caught rides into Regina with dad for work or school during his time at the museum.  He also illustrated the museum publications and created numerous interpretive dioramas and displays for the provincial parks as well as other historic sites across the province.  Dad’s passion was life and he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, playing guitar, curling, golfing, baseball, coaching and watching all types of sports, especially if his children or grandchildren were playing.   A private family interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on October 12, 2019 at the Milestone cemetery.  The family invites anyone to join them for lunch and stories after the interment at the Milestone Masonic hall from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank the Regina Pasqua Hospital palliative care staff for their support and loving care of dad, as well as, Paragon Funeral Services for their care and attention in helping dad on his final journey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory can be sent to Saskatchewan Natural History Society, #206 – 1860 Lorne St., Regina SK, S4P 2L7.