Dennis Pickerell

1942 - 2019

 Dennis Douglas Pickerell, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Friday, November 15, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

 A private committal service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.

  The Funeral Service was held at the Taber Civic Centre, 4720 - 50 Street, Taber on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.  

 Dennis is survived by his loving wife of fifty six years, Fran Pickerell. Together they had four children Trevor (Lori) Pickerell of Taber, Tod (Hollis) Pickerell of Taber, Wade (Janna) Pickerell of Altario and Denise (Greg) Franke of Taber;  seven grandchildren Chad (Fidah), Robin (Blair), Jackson, Tucker (Jaylene), Toni (Cole), Jillian (Broc) and Jaclyn. Also left to remember Dennis are his siblings Sydney (Janice) Pickerell, Peggy (Mark) Pickerell, Shelley Schmidt and their families; Fran’s siblings Bud Berntson, Ellen (Downey) McGladdery, Glenn (Sharon) Berntson, Marj Nyeste, Merle (Jim) Ramsfield and Dennis (Mo) Berntson.

 He was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Helen Pickerell;  father and mother-in-law Art and Jenny Berntson; brothers-in-law Dave, Eric and Butch Berntson, George Nyeste.

 Dennis was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan in April of 1942 to Helen and Gordon Pickerell. He married Fran Berntson in 1963. They moved to Taber in 1966 and had three sons and a daughter. Dennis had many careers and business ventures but his passion was irrigation. In fact, he was instrumental in bringing pipe irrigation to southern Alberta. Dennis remained in the irrigation business until days before his passing.

 He loved attending the many events in which his grandchildren participated. Dennis and Fran spent hours together watching the Blue Jays and of course, every curling game there was. He was well known in the community and beyond and was known for his kind and gentle heart and giving nature. For the past several years Dennis sat on the executive of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20 and his responsibilities included care of the Legion Park. He took immense pride and satisfaction in the beauty of the park.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dennis’ name may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #20, 5205 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S8.