Obituary of Donald Pickard

View Video Tribute Donald Marvin Pickard was born February 8, 1942 at the hospital in Flagler, CO to Harold Wesley and Rose Mary (Tanner) Pickard. Donald died at the Medical Center of Aurora in Denver, CO, Wednesday, October 1, 2008. He was 66 years of age. As a child, Don lived with his parents south of Vona. In 1945 his brother Larry was born and in 1950 his sister Karen. As a young boy Don accepted Christ as his personal Savior and attended the Vona Baptist Church with his family. He attended Vona School and graduated from high school in 1959. During high school he grew to 6’6 ½â€? and enjoyed playing Varsity basketball. Vona School won the district title and went to the State Basketball Tournament. He applied to enter the Air Force, wishing to be a pilot, but was rejected for exceeding the height regulation by 1/2'â€?. Instead he attended Colorado State University. He graduated with a major in Agricultural Journalism. Upon graduation he was hired by the High Plains Journal in Dodge City, Kansas. Don was very well respected by his editor and colleagues. There he met Kathleen Wetzel and they were married 1965 until 1985. They had 3 children. In 1966 he returned to Vona and a life in agriculture. He began farming with his father, Harold, and later his brother, Larry as they formed Pickard Farms Inc. During those years he lived at Vona and then Stratton with his family. Don’s interest in farming found him farming at Arapahoe, CO, Weskan, KS, and then in Australia. After 5 years he returned to Burlington due to health reasons. His last two years, Don met Linda Stavely and they were planning a future together. She was at his side thru two months in the hospital before his death. Don was known for his athletic skills, his sense of humor, and his love to tell stories and as a car collector. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry. Left to mourn Don’s passing are three children: Camilla and husband Brad Green; Kirsten and fiancé Scott Echer; son Grant Pickard; granddaughters: Kennedy Green and Konner Dorenkamp; fiancé Linda Stavely and her family; parents Harold and Rose Pickard, sister Karen and husband Dennis, sister-in-law Linn Fillmore, nieces and nephews plus numerous family and friends. He will be missed. A memorial fund for the Kit Carson Ambulance Service was set up in Don’s honor. Donations may be sent to the Bank of Burlington. Services for Don Pickard were held at the First Baptist Church in Burlington, CO on October 4, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Interment was at the Vona Cemetery as he was laid to rest beside his brother Larry. Love Funeral Home of Burlington, CO handled the arrangements.