Captain Wilbur W. Pickering, “Pick,” made his final ascent on April 3, 2011, with family by his side to see him off as he took to the skies. Through tears and broken hearts, we kept watch for three days and nights as he transitioned from this life to the next, yet we took comfort in the peaceful nature of his passing and in the knowledge that his spirit was soaring again after long years of physical struggle and limitation.Wil was born on October 18, 1923 in Seattle, Washington, the son of Roy and Esther Pickering. He was raised in Issaquah on the Pickering dairy farm along with his brothers Robert, Drury, and Gordon and his sister Marcia. After graduating from Issaquah High School in 1941, Will and his brother Robert went to work for Boeing, earning 61 ½ cents an hour while still milking cows at the dairy for 3 cents per cow. Wil then heard the call to service and joined the military. As a Lt. Colonel fighter pilot for the Marine Corps, he flew Hellcats and Corsairs in the Pacific during WWII and made seventy-nine carrier landings, many at night, all perfectly executed. He served in the Korean conflict as a jet fighter pilot and remained in the Marine Corps reserves for decades after the wars ended.
In 1950 he joined Pan American Airways and began a long and distinguished career as an airline pilot until his retirement in 1983, circling the globe more times than can be remembered. He made captain in 1967 and spent many years flying 747s prior to retiring. He was based out of San Francisco until 1972, when he took a three-year assignment in Berlin, Germany. He finished his career flying out of Los Angeles. Wil was highly respected and liked by his colleagues for his impeccable flying record, congeniality, and professionalism. He made life-long friendships in both the military and Pan Am that he kept up faithfully over the years both informally and formally, as a member of a number of airline pilot and military associations. He loved attending annual reunions and traveling all over the country to see old friends, playing golf or volleyball with them, or just staying connected.
Wil was the loving husband to three wives in his lifetime. In 1944, he married Donna Miller, a fellow Marine, with whom he raised four children, Linda, Jerry, Mark and Wendy, in California. He tenderly cared for Donna at home through a long battle with cancer until she passed away in 1990. In 1992, he moved to Port Orchard, Washington, and married Louise Schooss in 1993. Wil and Louise enjoyed many years of companionship together, splitting their time between Port Orchard and Tucson. When Louise’s health declined, he stayed close by her side and cared for her until her passing in 2005. Wil then moved into assisted living at University House, Issaquah, to be near his family. There he met and became friends with Margaret Hull. Over time their friendship blossomed, and they were married in a delightful ceremony at Boehm’s Alpine Chapel in April, 2007. Unfortunately, Wil had to move into 24-hour care shortly after their marriage began, yet Margaret remained a loving and steadfast companion as long as she was able and brought Wil much comfort in his illness. Wil spent the last 3 ½ years of his life in the excellent hands of Ideal Care Home of Issaquah, where he was cared for like a family member.
Wil will always be remembered for his love and loyalty to his family, his friends, his work and his country. He was a sociable, good-natured soul with a quick wit, ready smile, and all manner of jokes picked up from the golf course. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched. A celebration of Wil’s life will be held at the historic Pickering Barn in Issaquah on April 29th, 2011, beginning at 12 noon. Those who wish to join us in our final send-off of our beloved “Pick” are welcome.
The family suggests remembrances be made to the PCC Farmland Trust or Northwest Parkinson’s Association.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book atwww.flintofts.com.