Thomas Pick Obituary

Thomas Pick, 66, passed suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 16, while skiing south of Cooke City, Montana. Born Aug. 9, 1949, to Emma Lou and Charles (Tom) Pick in Clarksburg,West Virginia, it was the open space of the West Tom loved and to which he committed his career and family life. Beloved son, father, husband, brother, uncle, friend and colleague, Tom's loyalty, quick wit, gentle confidence and extensive knowledge made him a friend to all and sought-after natural resource advisor. A true Renaissance man, Tom was a hunter, fisherman, gardener, chef, woodworker, writer, artist, swing dancer, adventurer, comfortable in either a tuxedo or Carhartts, lover of literature and the simple beauty and honesty of the wild.

Tom served his country in the Vietnam era, as an Agricultural Advisor on a Reconstruction Team in Iraq from 2009-2011, and with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service over a 35-year distinguished career in several western states.

Consistent with his quiet humility, there will be no formal service, but friends and family are invited to gather Saturday, Jan. 23 from 1-3 p.m. in The Baxter Hotel Main Ballroom to share and preserve stories from the many facets of his rich life. Tom is survived by his wife Kathleen Williams, his two sons, Calen and Sander Pick and their mother Jessie Close, his mother Emma Lou Petitgirard, siblings Cindy, Jeff and Mike, and a broad extended family. In recognition of his dedication to youth and habitat, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Tom Pick Fund at Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever, P.O. Box 4220, Bozeman, MT 59772. Share your photos and stories about Tom at www.inmemoryofthomaspick.com. Thank you, Tom, for the blessing of having you in our lives.

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

Published by Bozeman Daily Chronicle from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Pick

10 Entries

Wendy Williams

January 28, 2016

I worked with Tom in Gallatin County completing river resource inventories and assessments on both the East Gallatin and Story Creek. I learned so much from Tom when we were in the field. He was so very passionate about the river ecosystems but in a very gentle and professional manner that did not step on anybody's toes, landowner or goverment employee! I had the pleasure of sitting across from him in the state office for the last year of his career. Later in my career, I wasn't as "uppity" as I was earlier on, but when I did get riled up because of my passion for doing things right the first time, Tom had the ability to calm me down with just a phrase or two. He was such a great inspiration to everyone that he touched and he will be so missed, especially by his sole mate and wife, Kathleen. May everyone rest in peace without Tom in their lives!

Corey Swenson

January 22, 2016

I had the privilege of working with Tom on several stream assessments in Eastern Montana. He was a multi-talented conservationist that related exceptionally well with Ag producers of every type. Always professional, ambitious and optimistic about a favorable outcome for all of the players in the game. I'm sure he was an equally successful private consultant and will be sorely missed. Glad to have know and worked with him!

Steve Alfred

January 22, 2016

It has been a long time in the past and it took me a while to sort through my brain files but then it came to me. I remember those Pick kids, especially Cindy. Sorry to hear of his passing. Sounds like it would have been a pleasure to spend time with a man like that. May the comforting hand of the Lord be with you all in this time of sadness. He will hold you up and give you the courage to get through...

Stephen Vandergrift

January 21, 2016

I'm sitting looking at Tom's photo in my senior year book and wondering where all the time went. Tom and I were good friends though most of grade school and all of high school. We ran into each other a couple of times since and enjoyed catching up. Followed his exploits in Iraq, was proud of his service. All my memories of Tom are of a supremely good guy and a gentle soul. The world is a better place for his living and a worse place for his passing.

January 21, 2016

So sad to hear about Tom. He was a gentle soul. Grew up with him and we graduated from high school together. Tom, Sander and Calen traveled to Bridgeport, WV for his high school class reunion in 1992 so many class members got to visit with him at that time. With your consent I would like to put his obituary in our local paper. With deepest sympathy to the Pick family.

Brenda Frank Shultz

Dick Iversen

January 20, 2016

Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I worked with Tom many times while we both worked for NRCS. Tom was a great listener, tried to arive at a good solution for issues we often faced in the field. Hope his family can work thru this loss, but remember many of us will miss this great person also.

Clint and Mindy May

January 20, 2016

We have pheasant in our freezer because of Tom! Always generous, kind, and a fabulous neighbor. We will deeply miss visits across the driveway where Tom would always ask, "How are the kids doing?" or "Have you done any big adventures this summer?" Tom was always good for sharing in our family.

Suzanna Soileau

January 20, 2016

Tom was an incredible person to work with and I am glad I had that opportunity. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Clayton Marlow

January 19, 2016

Tom was professional in every sense. Fair, objective and quick to blunt personal criticism he always managed to pull something positive out of meetings and field tours. Importantly, Tom treated all of us as if we were worthy of his attention. All of us who worked with Tom will remember him in those quiet moments at the end of the day when we ask ourselves if we have done any good. Tom did.

Terry Lohman-Vigil

January 19, 2016

Dear Mike, Emma Lou, and family,
Hold on to the many wonderful memories you have of Tom, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. With our deepest sympathy and love,
Todd, Kim, and Courtney
DeLores
Terry, Michael, and Josh

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