Bruce PICKEN

February 2, 1947 - September 28, 2024

Bothell - Bruce Picken, Spokane native, storyteller, and expert gun smith, passed on September 28, 2024, in Bothell, Washington.

Bruce was born to the parents of Nellie B. Picken and Rober L. Picken February 2, 1947, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was raised in Spokane Valley when it was still field and farmland. After graduating from Central Valley High School in 1966, he went on to earn a culinary arts degree from Spokane Community College, then earned his gunsmithing certification from the Colorado School of Trades. Many of his friends will remember him sitting in the back room of the Gun Cellar for nearly three decades telling his imaginative stories and sharing a good laugh. He was a big part of the family cherry orchard in Chelan, driving the produce 200 miles across the state to Spokane Valley. He loved to get out on the water to fish any chance he could, always with a giant dog by his side. He retired in 2006 and moved to live with his nephew, James R. Buckly, in Bothell, Washington, where his last dog, Lulu (this time a little one) kept him company. He was surrounded by loved ones in his last days.

He is survived by his son, Michael Picken, and daughter-in-law, Miranda, and two grandchildren; his loving sister, Kathey Buckley; and dear brother, Jim Picken; as well as many nephews and nieces who probably consider him their favorite uncle.