Donald Pickett

Following a brief battle with cancer, Donald Leslie Pickett of Hillandale, NB, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 17, 2024.

Donald was born in Perth-Andover, NB, on October 5, 1943. He was the son of the late Charles and Dorothy (Waugh) Pickett. Donald leaves behind his daughters, Jennifer Bowmaster (Allison) of Hillandale, NB, Rebecca Thebeau (Philippe) of Good Corner, NB; his son, Stephen Pickett of Lake Worth, FL; his grandchildren, Benjamin Bowmaster, Jacob Bowmaster, Tyler Thebeau, and Chase Thebeau; his sisters, Elizabeth Restaino of Chelmsford, MA, Ruth Brown (Stephen) of St. Martins, NB, Louise Pickett (Bob Watson) of Clifton Royal, NB; his brothers, Jim Pickett (Gail) of Perth-Andover, NB, Gilbert Pickett (Rose) of Bairdsville, NB, and Peter Pickett (Judy) of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB; along with many nieces and nephews.

Donald was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Susan Pickett (Mollins); his sisters, Sarah Mitchell, Barbara Pickett, and Susan Pickett; brothers Lewis, Alan, and Edward Pickett.

Donald wore many hats throughout his life. Growing up on a large multi-generational farm, he started life in his father's footsteps raising shorthorn beef cattle and growing hundreds of acres of potatoes. After achieving a diploma from the Nova Scotia Agriculture College, where he made many life long friends, Donald returned to the farm to modernize it continue its legacy. During his time as a farmer he was very active in the National Farmer's Union and actively participated in advocating fair pricing for potato farmers.

Eventually, as farming became less and less viable, Donald struck out to find other opportunities for his family by getting his GED and certification as a heavy equipment operator.

After working for several years dredging waterways, Donald found his calling as a trucker. Starting at Day & Ross as a short haul trucker driving regionally, he gained experience to take on more long haul routes. Once Day & Ross announced the creation of Fastrax, where individual operators could broker their own vehicles, he and his wife, Susan, again decided to strike out on their own and bought their first tractor trailer. Eventually they would own a small fleet of 3.

After driving for well over 35 years, winning competitions at driving competitions, awards for safe driving, and recognition for millions of miles on the road (the first million being by 1993), Donald decided it was time to stay closer to home. Though, even at home Donald remained active and kept himself busy with hauling wood with his son-in-law and helping farm potatoes for neighbors.

During any spare time he and Susan had, they were active in the New Brunswick craft scene creating wood-turned bowls, tables, candle bases, lamps, and lamp shades. Through the years they produced hundreds of heirloom pieces that have sold both locally and internationally.

Donald will always be remembered for his smile, quiet strength, dedication to family, loyalty to friends, and generosity to community.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 1:30 at Brunswick Funeral Home. Rev. Stephen Brown officiated. Interment will follow in the Trinity Anglican Cemetery at a later date.

Soloist for the service was Ruth Brown. The eulogy was given by Stephen Pickett.

For those who wish, memorial donations to the Southern Victoria Cancer Assistance Fund or the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover and Plaster Rock, NB.