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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Pickard, Donald Paul

Age 66

PICKARD, Donald Paul (Age 66) Passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on June 23rd, 2013, after a two year battle with the effects of a stroke.

He was able to spend the last week of his life visiting with family and numerous friends who came to see him, and he even got to go to the lake one last time the day before he passed.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bill Pickard, and is survived by his daughter Serena Pickard, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Katherine Pickard, and step-children Troy, Kellie, and Tait Burns.

He was also blessed with grandson Justin Trevino, granddaughters Shayla and Taylor Pickard, and Tia Sijer, and great-granddaughter Oliviana Sijer.

Also by his ex-wife Kathryn Christensen, who he remained friends with.

He was born to parents Paul and Leta Pickard on October 10, 1946 in Spokane.

He attended Mead High School, where he lettered in both track and wrestling.

He received an Associate’s degree from Spokane Community College in Baking, and worked 45 years at Franz Bakery (previously Holsum and Snyder’s).

Although the baking industry was his job, his passion was coaching.

He coached his sons’ Youth Sports soccer teams for six years, then coached them in Junior High wrestling at Salk.

He followed them into High School at North Central where he coached both men and women’s soccer, and was the junior varsity wrestling coach for 20 years.

Coach “Papa” was truly an inspiration to a whole generation of young men and women, instilling in them his innate values of hard work, respect for teammates, and joy of competition.

He was a loving father and grandfather, who spent his whole life doing for others, and even with all the pain and hardship brought on by the stroke, remained a very positive and upbeat man.

He blessed many people with his presence, and will be sorely missed in his absence.

We invite all who wish to celebrate his life for a Memorial Service at Sunrise Church, 4718 N. Ash, Spokane, July 9th at 5:30 pm.

It will be followed by a potluck and BBQ at Linwood Park in North Spokane.