Obituary of MICHAEL WAYNE PICKENS

PICKENS MICHAEL WAYNE At his residence in Lakefield on Saturday, April 24, 2004, Michael Pickens of Lakefield, formerly of Toronto and Timmins in his 53rd year. Beloved husband of Sheila (Martin) and father of Devon. Loving son of Anna and the late Murlin (Slim) Pickens. Dear brother of Monica Chartrand (Andy) & Kim Bazinet (Chris). Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to call at the HENDREN FUNERAL HOME, Lakefield onTuesday, April 27 from 2-4:00 & 7-9:00 p.m. Funeral service in the Hendren Chapel on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. followed by cremation. Rev. Ruth Knapp-McKee officiating. If so desired memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to the staffs of Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital and the V.O.N. Friends may make donations and send condolences to www.hendrenfuneralhome.com MICHAEL WAYNE PICKENS 1952 - 2004 VISITATION a?a?a?a?a?. Hendren Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 27 from 2-4:00 & 7-9:00 p.m. FUNERAL SERVICEa?a? Hendren Chapel on April 28, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. CLERGYa?a?a?a?a?a?a? Rev. Ruth Knapp-McKee DONATIONSa?a?a?a?a?. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated RECEPTION .a?a?a?a?a? Burleigh Island Lodge PALL BEARERSa?a?a? Bob Sibthorpe Mitch Lavery Bill Brereton Peter George Jim Fairburn Jim Boyle On March 24, 1952 MICHAEL WAYNE PICKENS was born in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, son of ANNA POBEREZEC & MURLIN PICKENS. Michael attended high school in Timmins and had his first introduction to mining during the summer of grade 12 in Lake of the woods with Amex Corp. He then attended the University of Western Ontario, with a Bsc. in Geology. He began his working career with Matagami Lake Exploration where he remained until 1974 when he joined Geoex Limited in Timmins as a partner and subsequently became sole owner. For three years in the early 80's Michael was employed at Midland Doherty as a mining analyst and in 1985 moved to Yorkton Securities where he met SHEILA DIANE MARTIN. Since 1991 he has been an independent geological and financing consultant and was president and director of numerous junior mining companies including Black Pearl (BKP.H). He travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and North America where he established many long-term friendships. He had an intense passion for the mining exploration business and although he would often frown, the grin would return to his face when a deal came together. Michael and Sheila shared a mutual love of the outdoors and the country and in 1995 made their home on a farm in Lakefield and it was there on February 26, 2000 he and Sheila became husband and wife, and brought into their lives their beautiful daughter Devon. Since then, Sheila and their daughter Devon have become Michael's main focus in life. Michael had a zest for life and will be remembered as a man's man who cast a long shadow, especially when he played with his toys. He was most comfortable on the farm or at the cottage in Gooderham, enjoying the fresh air, far removed from the stress and pressure of city life. Friends and family will remember his friendliness, generosity and sense of humour, and complete and absolute enjoyment of life. Whether a long-time friend or a more recent acquaintance, Mike included everyone and everyone had fun. When dealing with Mike, what you saw is what you got, there were no games. If you were a friend and you had a disagreement, you could work things out and apologies were sincere, the friendship intact and life moved on. On Saturday, April 24, 2004, Michael passed away at his home. Survived by his wife SHEILA; daughter DEVON; and his mother ANNA. Also missed by sisters MONICA CHARTRAND (ANDY) & KIM BAZINET (CHRIS). Also missed by ROBIN & HEATHER MARTIN; sisters-in-law SUSAN KARAS (MICHAEL), BETH KINDREE (BOB); very dear uncle DALlYN PICKENS and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father MURLIN (SLIM).