In Memory of

Gerry Pickell - April 3, 2020

Gerry and Linda came to Saltspring from New Westminster where Gerry had served as the Regimental Sargent Major of the Royal New Westminster Regiment. After that he was commissioned to the rank of Captain. That was when we worked together as Staff Officers as part of the then Vancouver Headquarters. On Salt Spring Island he worked for Rainsford, a local plumber, and later for Thrifty's. Linda and Gerry built a house on Kitchen Road where they had chickens and sold eggs.

Gerry joined Branch 92 where he served on the executive as a member-at-large with responsibility for House matters. He was part of the group that installed the upstairs kitchen. After a few years, in about 1999, there was a falling out of the then executive with the normal question of who would lead the branch through financial bad times. A few of us convinced Gerry to run for President, which he did reluctantly and won. During his 18-month term (the election date was changed from December to June at that time). through his consistent leadership and the help of a totally new executive, the Branch was turned around to financial viability and a stable membership.

Some years ago Gerry and Linda moved to the mainland to be closer to their grandchildren where they settled in the Agassiz area of the Fraser Walley. Sadly, Gerry after a lengthy fight with dementia, passed away April 3 in the Chilliwack Hospital. To recognize Gerry’s service, Branch 92’s flag is at half-staff.

Klaus Mortensen CD

Past President