Lysle H. Pickard

Lysle Pickard, age 87, quietly left his earthly dwelling May 20, 2014, in the company of his Savior for the resting place prepared for him by his Father. He was born on May 5, 1927, in Everett, Washington, to Lyle and Ruby (Sanden) Pickard. He passed from this world in the same Everett hospital in which he was born. Lysle was raised in Everett and made it his family's home. He graduated from Everett High School, class of 1945. After high school he joined the Navy when the war was coming to an end. His college studies began in Everett Junior College and during this time he met the love of his life, Lois Allan. They married December 19, 1947, and the following year he continued his college studies in Decorah, Iowa, at Luther College. Lois joined Lysle after the birth of their daughter, Marilee in late 1948. Upon graduation they returned to Everett to raise their family. They both were employed at Picardy's, the family restaurant in town. Lysle later worked in the business office of Burnett Brothers Jewelry. In 1961 he joined the Boeing Company where he eventually retired in 1987. He and Lois traveled in retirement enjoying many experiences of our country as well as Europe. Lysle was a lifetime member of Everett First Baptist Church and a humble but ardent witness to his faith. He taught adult Sunday school for over 40 years, sharing the lessons of scripture with his peers in a very personal and relevant manner. He was a friend and counselor to many and had a genuine interest in learning about anyone he met. He became Lois' loving caregiver as Alzheimer's gradually diminished the character of his lifelong partner. The challenges of caregiving eventually resulted in Lysle and Lois moving to the Bethany at Silver Crest assisted living residence with their dog, Maxie. Lois transitioned to the Silver Lake facility for care, allowing Lysle to visit her on a daily basis. In early 2014, Lysle's Parkinson's resulted in him moving to Silverlake Cottage adult family home. He continued to visit Lois on a regular basis, always devoted even in their infirmities of aging. Lysle suffered a fall from which he could not rally, but was blessed by the presence of his extended family before his passing. In retirement Lysle was an avid collector of toys, with a particular interest in toys of his childhood. He was well respected among his peers and had connections with many collectors around the world. He made several annual pilgrimages to toy shows in this country and appreciated the friendships he made more than the toys he bought and sold. He always enjoyed the adventure of the "find" in his hobby. Lysle is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Lois; his daughter and son-in-law, Marilee and Alan Carter of North Bend, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Susan Pickard of Everett; son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Kim Pickard of Tacoma, Wash.; his seven grandchildren, Mitchell Carter (Alison Johnson) of North Bend; Laurie (Michael) Picha of Bellingham, Wash.; Katie (Chris) Schmid of Everett; Philip Pickard of Everett; Stephen Pickard and fiancee Meghan Gustainis of Puyallup, Wash.; Austin Pickard and fiancee Sarah Earp of Everett; Andrew (Pia) Pickard of Tacoma; brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Barbara Pickard of Everett; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and George June of Sun City West, Arizona; and five great-grandchildren Hayden Johnson; Noah, Jonah and Micah Schmid; Penny Picha. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his special uncle and aunt, Howard and Eva Sanden. A "Celebration of Life" will be held May 28, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Everett, 1616 Pacific Ave, Everett, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged by supporting and/or participating in your local annual Walk to End Alzheimer's sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. The family wishes to thank the Providence Hospital Colby Campus staff for their kind attention and comfort to Lysle in his last days; the Silverlake Cottage and Bethany at Silver Crest for their care and friendship; and the many friends who visited and made Lysle an important part of their lives. "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." C.S. Lewis