Pickett – Allan Wallace Pickett, beloved husband of Sharon (Teddy) of Bassano, passed on very suddenly at the home of his daughter, Kristen and Brad Niznik while waiting to go round up cattle on horseback. Allan, second son of Ruth and Tommy Pickett was born on September 25, 1940 in Bassano, Alberta. He took his grade school in Gem and then went on to Olds Agricultural College. Allan and Teddy Christianson were married in Gem on August 12, 1966 where they farmed and ranched with his family until purchasing their own ranch in 1970. Allan enjoyed hockey and played with the Bassano Bear Cats for 20 years. He was an avid curler and in later years mastered the curling stick. Allan was President of the Athletic Association, EID Minor Ball, Gem Community Association, and the Gem Presbyterian Church. He helped organize the Bassano and District Rural Crime Watch of which he was president for 5 years. He served as a counselor for the County of Newell for 3 years, and was a member of the Elks. Allan will best be remembered for his great love of his family and devotion to his grandchildren, Brooklyn and Brett. He was a very kind, patient, gentle man. He enjoyed his family and friends and a good game of cards with his great friends. He had a special talent with his knife at all the local brandings. Allan was predeceased by his father Tommy K Pickett, and brothers-in-law, Joseph King and Jack McAleese. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sharon (Teddy), daughters Shandell (Bill McLellan) Pickett, Kristen (Brad) Niznik, grandchildren Brooklyn and Brett Niznik, his mother Ruth Pickett, brothers Ken (Jean), Lawrence (Marion), Roger (Alexis), sister Judy King, mother-in-law Loyce (Babe) Christianson, brother-in-law Ronn (Joan) Christianson, sister-in-law Sandra (Tanny) McAleese ,and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, June 23 from the Knox Presbyterian Church in Bassano. Rev Peter Baek officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Wallace and Doris Fraser, Rod and Jeanne Hood, Ronn and Joan Christianson, Art and Judi Hildebrand as well as his many close family and friends. Active pallbearers are Lee Pickett, Russel Pickett, Brad Niznik, Bill McLellan, Reo King and Neil Fraser. Interment to follow at Bassano Cemetery. In memory of Allan, If friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Gem Presbyterian Church, Box 45, Gem, AB, T0J 1M0. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
