Obituary of the late Alan Pickering

With sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Major General (Ret’d) Alan Pickering, CMM CD (94), on September 12, 2023, on what would have been his 70th wedding anniversary to our mom, Margaret Pickering (deceased June 22, 2017).

Dad was an outstanding military officer, a loving and much-devoted husband to Margaret, a stern but fair and ever-optimistic father to Brian (Cindy), Cathy (Mike Whitman), Lynda (Steve Forsythe), Ellen, and a dedicated, fun-loving, inspirational, and ‘mooshy’ grandfather to Sara and Curtis Pickering, Ashleigh and Tara Whitman, Jake and Keith Forsythe.

Born in Wimbledon England, Dad and his parents immigrated to Canada when he was 9 months old, settling in Sarnia, ON. He enrolled in the RCAF in 1949, graduating from RMC in 1953 and Queen’s in 1954 with a BSc (Mechanical Engineering).

Beginning his military career in Namao, AB, with postings in Italy, Egypt, the US, and Canada, Dad rose to the rank of Major General, receiving the honour of Commander of the Order of Military Merit in “recognition of conspicuous merit and exceptional military service”. After retiring from the RCAF in 1985, he continued a civilian career as Director General CSE and for many years donated much of his time to his church and community.

We were extremely blessed and honoured to have such an amazing and positive person in our lives.

Visitation will be held at The James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston ON, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm-8 pm. Funeral service to be held at Edith Rankin Memorial Church, 4080 Bath Road, Kingston ON, on Thursday, October 5 at 10 am. The family will gather privately at Cataraqui Cemetery for the Services of Committal. In lieu of flowers, our father requested donations to the following charities: Edith Rankin Memorial Church, The Owl Foundation (Vineland Station ON), or the RMC Foundation.