Donald D. “Scotty” Pickett, 88, of Laramie, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Spring Wind Assisted Living with his family by his side. Born February 20, 1928 in Worland, WY, he was one of five children born to Carl and Echo (Sweet) Pickett. He was raised in Ten Sleep, WY where he graduated from high school in 1946. That fall, he moved to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, as well as Physical Education. Upon graduation, he chose to work for the United States Post Office, initially as a mail carrier and later, promoted to postmaster at the University Station.
He and his wife, Margaret, would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 20th this year. Together, they raised four children, Alan, Marcia, Richard (deceased), and Debbie.
He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved people and was well known in the community, especially when he was out and about in his baby blue Subaru Brat, with his wife by his side. He was the most patient and kind person anyone could ever know. Even though he did not go into teaching as his profession, he was the ultimate teacher whenever anyone needed some instruction.
Scotty loved sports, especially golf. He taught Alan and Marcia how to play golf, “his way.” Since they were both right-handed and he was left-handed, they learned the only way he could teach them… thus both play golf left-handed. In August 2007, he was surprised to receive a permanent bench on the 6th hole of the University of Wyoming Jacoby golf course to celebrate his 80th birthday. Debbie and “Daddy” spent many summer days rooting for the Colorado Rockies at the games in Denver.
He was a longtime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, a past member of the Elks Club, as well as the National Association of Letter Carriers. You could often times see Scotty and Margaret at the Epson Center for Seniors.
Scotty was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Echo; his brothers, Otis, Wayne, and Arlen; and his son, Richard S. Pickett.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children, Alan (Pam) of Manteno, IL, Marcia (Frank) Gaudioso of Sun Lakes, AZ, and Debbie Pickett (Bob Peterson) of Laramie, WY; his sister, Carlene Weiss of Casper, WY and sister-in-law, Deanne Pickett of Yuma, AZ; his grandchildren, Nicole Pickett, Gretchen Bladek, Tammy Peters, Scott (Josie) Pickett, Jeanne (Jason Skube), Craig Pickett, Kayci Pickett, April Pickett, Kevin Pickett, Deanne (Bill) Hammond, and Frank Jr. (Amie) Gaudioso. He had eight great grandchildren, Jaiden Peters, Molly Peters, Theo Pickett, Isla Perez, Michael Hammond, Ariana Gaudioso, Tiana Gaudioso, and Giovanni Gaudioso.
Cremation has taken place per his request.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21st, 2016 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Phillips, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Laramie, 710 Garfield #339 Laramie, WY 82070.
27 Comments To "Donald D. “Scotty” Pickett"
#1 Comment By Tawnie Kern On May 17, 2016 @ 4:17 pm
Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You all are in my prayers for peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time right now and may God wrap his loving arms around you.
Tawnie
#2 Comment By Marguerite Latta On May 17, 2016 @ 9:10 pm
My thoughts are very much with the Pickett family. We would often chat when he was on his walks when he lived on South 11th (I lived two doors from him), and later when I moved to 22nd Street (more or less across the fence-line from his home on Stetson.
#3 Comment By Kathleen “Kathy” Walters McCoy On May 18, 2016 @ 12:57 pm
Debbie, my payers and thoughts are with you and your entire family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad… Think of all of the Great Times, you and your dad had together to get you through this difficult time; and lean on God; he is here for you and your family…
#4 Comment By Mike & Nancy Meyers On May 18, 2016 @ 2:37 pm
Alan, Marcia. Debbie, Mararet and the entire Pickett family..We were saddened to hear of the great loss of your Father, Scotty. He was such a remarkable individual! So many parallels existed between our parents, Del and Merna Soll and him and Margaret. They were friends and shared many of the same interests. As you travel through this difficult time and your year of ‘firsts’, know that many people that his life touched, are thinking of you!
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Mikr & Nancy Meyers
#5 Comment By Bob and Verl-Lee Ely On May 18, 2016 @ 2:43 pm
Margaret and Family. We are so sorry to hear about Scotty. We have fond memories of him at the moose as well as on the Golf Course. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our prayers and condolences at this time of need.
#6 Comment By Terri Hull Jones On May 18, 2016 @ 2:45 pm
Margaret, Alan, Marsha, Debbie and Families,
My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone during this difficult time. I always enjoyed Scotty very much and will remember his great smile.
#7 Comment By Anonymous On May 18, 2016 @ 3:49 pm
Oh Debbie, I am so sorry. I remember all our times and the times we had with your parents. He face beamed every time you called him “Daddy” 🙂 Take care and he knows how much you love him always!
#8 Comment By Gene Yundt On May 18, 2016 @ 3:59 pm
Lord God be with this family as they mourn the passing of their wonderful father! You know him Lord – a kind, gentle, humble and caring servant to his family and community! He always welcomed people with a smile and a genuinely caring greeting. Though not large in stature, he was a giant of a man! Thank you for the privilege of being part of that family, Lord. May he rest in your loving arms & rejoice in reunion with his son. We love and trust you Lord – amen! !
#9 Comment By Gene and Sherry Nelson On May 18, 2016 @ 7:15 pm
Sorry to hear of Scottie passing. He was a good neighbor on Stetson.
#10 Comment By Gene and Sherry Nelson On May 18, 2016 @ 7:19 pm
So sorry to hear of Scottie’so passing. He was a great neighbor on Stetson.
#11 Comment By Bob Trumbull On May 18, 2016 @ 8:05 pm
“The Letter”
At the Smithsonian National Postal Museum the inscription on the building will always remind of my best of friend/Buddy forever. RIP, I will miss you.
MESSENGER OF SYMPATHY AND LOVE
SERVANT OF PARTED FRIENDS
CONSOLER OF THE LONLEY
BOND OF SCATTERED FAMILY
ENLARGER OF THE COMING LIFE
CARRIER OF NEWS AND KNOWLEDGE
INSTRUMENT OF TRAID AND INDUATRY
PROMOTER OF MUTUAL ACQUAINTANCE OF PEACE AND GOODWELL AMOUNG MEN AND NATIONS
#12 Comment By Anonymous On May 19, 2016 @ 11:15 am
Bobby, I know how much he meant to you. He was the kindest, gentlest, most real man I’ve ever known and will miss him terribly.
My prayers are with you also.
Marcia
#13 Comment By Anonymous On May 18, 2016 @ 10:23 pm
To the Pickett family, we are so sorry for your loss. Good Men with a capitol, are so special. Our parents will be with us forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Scarpellis and Picketts have memories. Here is a hug. Gary and Marilyn
#14 Comment By gary d scarpelli On May 18, 2016 @ 10:27 pm
The Scarpellis and the Picketts have history from the good old days. We are so sorry for your loss. Here is a hug from us and you know he is hugging all of you. You are in our prayers. Gary and Marilyn
#15 Comment By Anonymous On May 18, 2016 @ 10:28 pm
So so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a sweet man and I admired the love he had for all of you. My deepest sympathy Gail Gillen Tavelli
#16 Comment By Jan Carter On May 18, 2016 @ 11:36 pm
To the Pickett Family
What a remarkable man Scotty was. I am so sorry for your loss. May wonderful memories help you during this very difficult time.
#17 Comment By J R Sandoval On May 19, 2016 @ 3:21 pm
I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s death. He was genuinely a unique and caring person. My Dad worked with him at the Laramie Post Office and thought a great deal of him as a colleague and as a friend. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate his life and the lasting legacy he leaves to his family and friends
#18 Comment By Anonymous On May 19, 2016 @ 8:34 pm
George & Jan Parker
We are very sorry that we will be unable to attend the services. Scotty was a good friend of ours and a truly spectacular gentleman. We have known Scotty and Margaret and most of the children for years and wish to send our most sincere condolences. We know that this will be a particularly hard time for all of you and want you to know you are in our prayers. George & Jan
#19 Comment By Anonymous On May 20, 2016 @ 2:08 pm
Debbie and Family: My deepest condolences to you. Don and Margaret were such good friends to me. I missed them when I moved to New Mexico,
Loretta Matheson
#20 Comment By Mike and Ellen Gashler On May 20, 2016 @ 3:51 pm
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
I pray that God helps to heal your broken heart. Please know you are in my thoughts.
#21 Comment By Anonymous On May 20, 2016 @ 4:15 pm
I got to know Scotty while working at the Eppson Center for Seniors. He was always so upbeat, caring and enjoyable to be around. He will truly be missed by so many people. He was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace. Jan Webster
#22 Comment By BruceNottage On May 20, 2016 @ 7:27 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this, he was such a nice man, loved bowling with him. He will be missed by many
#23 Comment By BruceNottage On May 20, 2016 @ 7:32 pm
So sorry to hear this, he was such a nice man and will be missed by many
#24 Comment By Anonymous On May 22, 2016 @ 3:19 pm
Debbie. So sorry to hear about your loss. I have always remembered how sweet and kind your parents were to me as a young girl. Betty Dawson… Dallas, Texas
#25 Comment By Anonymous On May 22, 2016 @ 11:29 pm
To the Pickett family,
We are so soory to hear about Scotty, he was a great man to be around. Are thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. He will greatly be missed but not forgotten.
Dan & Julie Bromley
#26 Comment By Bill & Carolyn Jussila On May 23, 2016 @ 10:35 pm
Pickett Family. So sorry. Sorry Too We were unable to be at the service. I hardy know were to begin about one of the most admired men I have ever known. Peace be with you all. Happy, Kind, Gentle, Just a wonderful man.
#27 Comment By Debbie Pickett On May 28, 2016 @ 3:34 am
What can I say about daddy? He was my hero, one of the most caring, gentle man I had the honor of knowing. Never heard a bad word spoken about him. He adored our mother which was one of the greatest gifts for us kids to witness. To those who came to the Memorial, sent a card, or called a big thank you. Mom is now living with me so if you are in the neighbourhood and have a few minutes, please stop by and say hello..