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Michael L. Pickens
Michael L. Pickens
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Michael Pickens Obituary
Michael LeRoy Pickens was born in SLC, UT to Marlene and LeRoy Pickens. Michael graduated from Highland High School in 1969. He was a member of the track team, which set into motion his love of all things athletic. He attended the U of U, then pursued his love of architecture, design, and carpentry, professionally; which he would use for the rest of his life. Michael followed his passion for skiing and served as a member of the ski patrols of Solitude, Park City, and Brighton ski resorts. He became a Testing & Training Advisor for the National Ski Patrol, Intermountain Division, and earned his Ski Patrol number. Mike was elected by his peers as Patroller of the Year for 2010-2011. Besides skiing, Michael loved running, hiking, golf, cycling, and especially his annual Thanksgiving outing with his desert friends, a ritual he continued for over 40 yrs. Michael is survived by his Mother, Marlene Keller, his sisters, Shawna L. Pickens, and Krista L. Pickens, as well as his loving nieces and nephews. Michael's family wants to acknowledge and express much gratitude to Linda Stark and her daughter Michelle. Linda is his loving companion who not only took care of his earthly and failing body, but allowed his heart to soar. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Step-Father, L. Scott Keller, and nephew, Jacob Bleak. Michael Pickens was extraordinary and he possessed great personal strength and courage. Although Michael ultimately lost his battle with prostate cancer, he defeated alcoholism, one day at a time, for over 25 years. A special thank you, to Utah Cancer Clinic and the medical staff who worked tirelessly in treating Michael.
Per Michael's request, his body will be cremated. Memorial services will be Thursday, June 21, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), with a visitaiton one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, Michael requests donations be made to Reel Recovery at www.reelrecovery.org/donate.php. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Harbert
July 18, 2012
In memory of a great friend. Thanks for making the world a better place. I will never forget our many experiences together.
Ron Hunt
June 26, 2012
Mike, and Family. On behalf of the Ron and Raymond Hunt. We wish you well and RIP.
Brighton SkiPatrol
June 24, 2012
In memory of Mike, and especially to honor his love of skiing, the Brighton Ski Patrol has made a donation to Reel.
Stan Golub
June 21, 2012
We so enjoyed having Mike at our Retreat at Altamont in 2010 and we are saddened by his passing. He will always be in the hearts of his friends at Reel Recovery.
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June 21, 2012
I skied with Mike at Park City for many years on the Ski Patrol. I will miss his sense of humor and great stories. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
George Buys
David Paulsen
June 20, 2012
I think often of Michael and our Solitude Ski Patrol years. RIP Mike.
Ruth
June 19, 2012
Michael was such a fighter and in the end he won all of his battles. I'm glad to have known him....such a swell fellow. Magificent in stature....magnificant in spirit. Heartfelt sympathies for you Marlene and your family
June 19, 2012
To the family I send this anonymous poem as it made me feel better. Lauri Kelley
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of the quiet birds in circle flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
I am the bolt of lightning across the sky.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
kim j ploluzek
June 19, 2012
Dear Krista, Our sincere condolences on the passing of your brother. May you find peace in the good memories of him in your life.
Kent Barnes
June 19, 2012
I can not tell you how much I learned from Michael and I will always look back fondly on the lessons I learned from him
Hollie Cederlof-Beckstead
June 19, 2012
I will always remember Uncle Michael's big smile and bear hugs. I still only came up to his belly button! ;)
I am so grateful my son got to know you if only for 4 years. He thought you were very cool.
I will miss you and I love you.
Hollie
Sid Uyetake
June 19, 2012
My Condolences to Linda Starks and Michaels immediate family. He will be greatly missed! No one other than Michael would attack the struggles he inherited. Blessings to all involved that knew him and loved him.
June 19, 2012
Marleen, Shauna, Krista....We are so sorry to hear of your loss...loosing a son is so difficult as you know...sending lots of love and hugs,
Annie and Bill Moss
Cindy Borg
June 19, 2012
Shauna;
I am so sorry for your loss of your brother, just know you are in my thoughts today...
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1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095
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