Kurt Milton Pickett

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Ohio State University University of Vermont

Kurt Pickett Obituary

Kurt Milton

Pickett

BURLINGTON, VT - Kurt Milton Pickett, University of Vermont Associate Professor, passed away on February 11, 2011 at the age of 38. He earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University Shreveport. He earned his masters and PhD at Ohio State University. After a post-doctoral appointment at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Kurt accepted a position at the University of Vermont as an Associate Professor where he recently received tenure.

Kurt had a passion for life, logic and learning. He had a unique ability to communicate even the most complicated concepts to a layperson in intriguing and often humorous ways. While working on his undergraduate degree, he became interested in discovering what drives cooperative social structures. In graduate school, he studied social wasps, which have been fundamental to the entire study of social behavior. Kurt primarily worked on Vespidae, a family of wasps that includes species that span the range of sociality from solitary to highly social, making them the perfect animals for his research.

Activism in the gay community fueled Kurt's interest in understanding social dynamics. As a teenager, Kurt was instrumental in the early development of the Philadelphia Center, an HIV service organization in Shreveport. He was one of few who pushed queer rights into the public forum. He was never shy about expressing his opinions despite their often being surprising, controversial or unpopular.

Kurt met his partner Greg Tolman, while studying at Ohio State, and the two were joined in a civil union when they moved to Vermont in 2007. For eleven years Kurt and Greg celebrated each other's personal and professional successes. Together they were solidly committed to Kurt's recovery during his seven-year struggle with cancer. We are grateful for the excellent care and expertise of the teams at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's hospitals, our stem cell donor, and the love, encouragement and support of many dear friends and family members.

In addition to Greg, Kurt is survived by his mother, Kathy (Beard) Pickett and three of Kurt's brothers, Hunter Pickett, Joshua Pickett and Benjamin Pickett, all of Shreveport, Louisiana; his father, Henry Pickett II and his brother Henry Pickett III of Bossier City, Louisiana.

A memorial celebration will be held in Burlington, Vermont on Saturday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. in Ira Allen Chapel with a reception following in Billings Student Center. A second memorial celebration will be held in Shreveport, Louisiana on Saturday, April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent in Kurt's name to:

Philadelphia Center

2020 Centenary

Shreveport, LA 71104

http://philadelphiacenter.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times on Feb. 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Pickett

Sponsored by Greg.

16 Entries

Benjamin Pickett

June 3, 2016

Of all the things Kurt taught me, one idea resonates the most. Being the social genus he was, he expressed a very specific idea to me one day that still can't be challenged. Or challenged very well, at least. He explained to me that men in our society are expected to act a certain way just like women are expected to act a certain way. He broke down what it was to have effeminate qualities. He believed that all men, to some degree, have these. We simply shy away from certain behavior because we might be afraid others will categorize us in an unfavorable way. "They might think I'm gay"! And, at a young age, especially in the 80's that can be quite disturbing. When someone, weather they be straight or homosexual, realizes this; a certain form of freedom comes over them. "I don't have to act a certain way anymore. I can be myself." This idea so well expressed to a preteen amongst many others helped me free myself and open my mind.
Thank you, Kurt Pickett.

Welcome Lindsey

July 18, 2013

Been thinking lots and lots about you, Kurt, my dear lovely old friend. I've thought long and hard about your courageousness, your kindness, your uniqueness. I haven't seen you in decades, but I miss you and love you.

July 14, 2013

"We all shine on." - J.L.

May 18, 2012

I met Kurt and his partner one time when I first met my husbands mother. He was very kind and considerate and he is missed.

Robert Thompson

February 25, 2011

I first met Kurt when I was reporting for KSLA in Shreveport. What a fantastic radical he was! Loved it! Then we met up, again, when I moved onto WBNS in Columbus where Kurt was attending Ohio State. He was a welcome sight in a new city! He was also a wonderful friend. We often hung out and he even took me into the lab to check out his wasps on many occasions. What a wonderful man and an amazing friend. My best wishes to Kurt's family, friends and loved ones.

Welcome Lindsey

February 24, 2011

Kurt was (and is) the most beautiful, amazing person I have ever known. I have always deeply admired his bravery, dedication to his values, and staunch stance as "I am Kurt." I consider it an honor to have been among his friends.

Much love to you, family and friends.

Much love to you, Gregg.

and my gratitude and love to you, Kurt. Thank you for all that you have done.

Joe Casciola

February 22, 2011

My deepest sympathies to Kurt's family and friends. I'll remember him as full of energy and passion for his beliefs. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

February 21, 2011

Dear Picket Family: I offer my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Michael.

February 20, 2011

I remember Kurt with such fondness and my relationship with him as a friend of my son. May his memory be a blessing.
Flo Selber

Ryan Williams

February 19, 2011

Kathy-I am so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your family.

Dorie LaRue

February 19, 2011

Kurt was a English student of mine many years ago at LSUS. On an essay I was pleasantly surprised when he spelled "women" as "womyn" showing his sensitivity toward gender equality, an anomlie in a freshman class. His essay topics were far more serious and deep than his classmates and a joy to read. Long after he graduated he came by my house. I showed him a little wasp nest on my balcony that had been there awhile and asked him if it was ok to knock it down as I hadn't seen any activity in it and I didn't want to destroy it if it were active. It's gone, he said. You won't be heaping up any karma if you knock it down. And we both had a laugh. From what I can see he had a soaring, loving, and fascinating life. Dorie LaRue (Shreveport, LA)

Rose Morris

February 18, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Kurt from his LSUS days, his passion for learning, his activism, his honesty. The world has lost a warrior.

Buddy Williamson

February 18, 2011

The world is a lessor place without Kurt. His passionate love for humanity was unsurpassed. Many people have no idea how many people he helped because of his AIDS activism (Act UP). His intelligence, passion and strength allowed him to help so many people. Kurt's legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

Diane Reed

February 18, 2011

I will never forget the time Kurt & Greg & I sat on my porch in Medway, Ohio and handed out candy to trick or treaters on Halloween. It was such a relaxed and blissful moment--we simply leaned back in my porch chairs and watched all the children in delight, commenting on their creative costumes and hoping they would come by! Each time a group of children came up to us, we felt so blessed. Yes, Kurt was highly succesful in his field and a well-lauded scholar & professor, but the Kurt I knew could revel in the moment and express his love of life through sheer joy. I am so grateful I had the chance to experience his spirit.
Love, Diane Reed

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