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Henry Pick
Everyone who knew Henry Pick loved him for his wit, kindness, loyalty and generosity. Henry passed away from natural causes at home in Santa Fe on July 25th at the age of 89. He played tennis and golf, fished in the Pecos, and dispensed directions and advice to all until the very end. His family, White Swan Laundry, Rotary International, New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and starting the Valdez Industrial Park were the pride and joys of his life.
Henry was born in Santa Fe on September 16, 1930 to Henry and Elsa Pick, who preceded him in death.
While attending college at NMMI, Henry met his forever partner, Peggy Sue Whitehead. They were married September 5, 1952. Henry is survived by his wife Peggy; children Mike Pick of Albuquerque and Ellen Clauss (David) of Albuquerque; grandchildren Audrey Graham (Steve), Ashten Mizell (Matt), Kristen Clauss and Kevin Clauss (Gwen); seven great grandchildren; brother Sam Pick (Diane); sister-in-law Nell Pick, and many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Henry was a life-long resident of Santa Fe. He often reminisced about how he rode his horse into the La Fonda hotel when he was young. He attended public schools in Santa Fe through the 10th grade. He finished high school and attended junior college at NMMI, where he played football and basketball. He obtained his B.S. in Business from the NMMI senior college in 1952. Henry was one of the few cadets to graduate from the high school, junior college and senior college. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army; after two years of active duty he returned to Santa Fe to work in the family laundry business while serving in the National Guard for three years with a final rank of captain. Henry was proud of his military service and assured his family he would have been a general if he had made the military a career.
Henry and Sam purchased White Swan Laundry and Dry Cleaners in 1965 and grew the business into a uniform and linen supply rental company serving hotels and restaurants in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and other locations in northern New Mexico, as well as St Vincent's hospital and many other local businesses. The Pick brothers provided opportunities to those less fortunate through mechanisms like the prison work release program. Every employee was like family; when Henry sold the business to a national firm in 1988, he helped all 51 of his employees find other jobs. The business sponsored a little league baseball team for over 40 years. The White Swan building remains a local Santa Fe landmark on Cerrillos Road to this day.
Henry believed Rotary International was the finest civic organization in the world. He joined Rotary in 1972 and remained active for the rest of his life. Everything he thought, said or did was governed by the Rotary Four Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Henry was president of the Santa Fe Rotary, District Governor of New Mexico and West Texas, and co-founded Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Henry represented nine different Rotary Presidents at International Conventions and was a highly regarded and humorous speaker. He was recognized as a Paul Harris fellow.
Henry was inducted into the NMMI Hall of Fame in 1998 in recognition of his life of service. Santa Fe recognized Henry's lifetime of contribution to the community with the Living Treasure award in 2015.
Visitation will be from 1-5 pm on Sunday August 2 at the Berardinelli Funeral Home. A private burial will take place on Monday August 3 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. These services will be live streamed, for details please see the link on Berardinelli's tribute page. Bob White, Jack Feely, Rudy Archuleta, Russ Osterman, Kurt Sommer, Sonny Brown (honorary) and David Clauss will serve as pallbearers. Henry's unique style of telling jokes, boogie-woogie piano playing and handkerchief dancing will be enjoyed by all in heaven. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Santa Fe Rotary Foundation, Camp RYLA, PO Box 2465, Santa Fe, NM 87504.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Peggy and Family, My heartfelt condolences to you and the family on the loss of your beloved Henry. He will be sorely missed by so many who knew him as such a gentleman ad kind person. I have many fond memories of your family during the Apodaca Administration and beyond, Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. With sympathy from the Apodaca Family, Clara Apodaca
Clara Apodaca
Friend
August 5, 2020
Oh My sweet PomPom, there are no words to tell you how much I miss you, every memory was the best growing up, you gave me such a fun childhood, fishing, learning drive, to learn about life. Now I have four of your great grandkids and I will instill everything you taught me to them forever. Don't worry, I know you will be with in Florida with us each fishing trip watching over us and my son and husband and helping catch those big fish. No words will ever describe what life will be like as your gone but I do know YOU will be in heart everyday and I know you will watch over my family and I promise to always look after meme and buddy. Goodbye my sweet pompom, go play tennis with the stars, catch the biggest fish and play and the most majestic gold courses. Thank you for being my rock as a child. I love you. "A "- Audrey
Audrey Graham
Grand Parent
August 2, 2020
MICHAEL T WILSON WESTBROOK
Neighbor
August 1, 2020
Lorraine & Bill Lowen
Friend
July 31, 2020
I met Henry in the late 1980's playing tennis (of course) with him and his son Mike at the Country Club. Over the decades I have valued his friendship, his kind and gentle nature, his competitiveness on the tennis court and his great sense of humor. He was a wonderful person and I will miss and remember him.
Tom Seed
Friend
July 31, 2020
Jeanne Adelo
Friend
July 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. Condolences to Peggy and family
Ben and Helen ortega
Friend
July 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. Condolences to Peggy and family
Ben and Helen ortega
Friend
July 30, 2020
so sad to hear of Henry’s passing. Condolences to Peggy and family
Ben and Helen ortega
Friend
July 30, 2020
Such a wonderful, sweet man. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Melanie Rael
Friend
July 30, 2020
Henry’s loving care for his family and the entire Santa Fe community is a treasured legacy. Heartfelt condolences to Peggy and family.
Tess Monahan
Friend
July 29, 2020
Henry was one of my favorite people ever. May God bless Peggy and the entire Pick family. He will keep the great beyond laughing with he great since of humor. Santa Fe has lost a great human being.
Cheryl Ford-Mente
Friend
July 29, 2020
Our condolences to all of the Pick families!
Many years of business and friendship together.
You are in our prayers.
May God Bless You All!
Wilson Transfer & Storage
Friend
July 28, 2020
He was a great man and will be missed. My sincere sympathies to the family.
Joy Ortiz-Zimmer
Friend
July 28, 2020
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Funeral services provided by:
Berardinelli Family Funeral Service1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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