Gerald Alfred Pickett (16 Jul 1944 - 24 Jul 2020)

In loving memory of Gerald Alfred Pickett who sadly passed away on 24th July 2020 aged 76 years.

Gerry was born in July 1944 in Jersey into the unusual circumstances of occupied Europe. Although sadly, his own father died when he was 6, a happy childhood was spent with his sister Pat, brother Richard, mother and grandmother. Alongside secondary school at Hautlieu he worked various jobs to help the family including as a postman. Lifelong friends were also made, such as Don who recalls Gerry’s antics on a motorbike as akin to Jersey’s Evil Knievel. At 16 he went to the School of Navigation at Plymouth. Gerry’s headteacher perceptively finished his reference for sea school with the words, “He will do his best at all times” – which he did.

Gerry enjoyed a successful career in the Merchant Navy, becoming a master mariner at an unusually young age. On one voyage he befriended another sailor John Cartwright who suggested that Gerry might like to meet his sister Helen. Fortunately, Gerry took up the offer and within a few years Gerry and Helen were married in January 1969, belatedly celebrating their 50th anniversary with a holiday in Iceland last January. Following the merchant navy Gerry joined Chevron for whom he worked for the rest of his career; a career that took him all over the world. Although being away from home for long periods of time was difficult it did mean great presents from far flung places for his children Tina and John, for example being the first of their friends to have one of the new-fangled Sony Walkman. At sea Gerry was extremely well respected for his fairness and hard work by his colleagues; with one crew admitting that they had prayed for his appointment as their captain.

Retirement was a big adjustment for Gerry (and for Helen). He tried various pastimes including bricklaying and archery before settling on bowls, spending time at their caravan near Battle and a passion for, and more than occasional frustration with, new technology. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with his beloved Helen, children and grandchildren. Gerry saw himself above all else as a family man and is much loved and cherished by that family he leaves behind.