Gilbert W. Pickering's Obituary
Gilbert Wendell Pickering
Gilbert W. Pickering died peacefully in his sleep on August 10, 2010. He was born in Portland's Sellwood General Hospital on December 23, 1924 to Norman A. and Harriett Lewis Pickering. He attended Sellwood Grammar School and Washington High School in Portland.
He was inducted into the Army on July 17, 1943 right after graduation and was first in the 2nd Armored Division, 202 Tank Battalion. He was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division just for the invasion of Normandy, then to a replacement battalion and lastly to Headquarters 19th Corp. He went through 5 main battles in Europe and has 5 battle stars. He was discharged on December 28, 1945.
Gilbert attended the University of Oregon and graduated on June 19, 1949 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He and Aldine Hudson were married on July 14, 1947, raised 5 children in St. Helens, and enjoyed 28 years together before she was killed in a vehicle accident.
Gilbert enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and an excellent marksman when hunting deer and elk. He was employed at Crown Zellerbach Corporation for 30 years and retired in April 1980.
On January 3, 1980 he married Frances Corazza. He and Frances were members of the Traveling Beavers travel trailer club for 19 years and enjoyed many trips to New Mexico and California with their 5th wheel. They have also been members of the Plymouth Presbyterian Church since 1984.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle and Keith, sister; Dorris, daughter; Carol Ann, and his wife Aldine.
He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughters, Janet, Nancy, and Alice; son, Bruce and their families; and stepsons, James and Jon Corazza; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 3 nephews and their families.
Remembrances may be sent to the Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 2615 Sykes Rd. St. Helens, Oregon 97051.
There will be private family services at Riverview Cemetery in Portland.
Online condolences may be made to the family at [email protected].
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