Harold G. Pickrel

Today, we celebrate the life and birthday of Harold Pickrel. Harold would have been 94 years old. He was the first child to be born to his proud parents, Erma and Leroy, on this day, August 3rd in 1920. His family would grow to include three brothers, Don, Edward, and Dewey, and three sisters, Eleanor, Lucille, and Shirley.

From the beginning, Harold had a true appreciation for all things and a caring, love for mankind. Family was always his first priority. Whether it was his parents and siblings, his wife Carol and children, Jo and Scott, or his extended family, he was quick to assist whenever needed. His devotion to family, brought him great joy as he shared in marriages, the growth in families, the arrival of his grand daughter, Lauren, and her marriage and the birth of his great grand daughter, Ella.

Harold was guided by principles and was a deeply thoughtful man. He listened carefully to others seeking to understand their views, but was not afraid to be heard when he felt a wrong had been done to others. He was a doer, not a talker always striving to get things done. Harold grew up during the depression and therefore understood the impact that difficult times can have on people. It was his wish to share the good fortune of his life’s accomplishments with others so he committed regular support to a group of charities for the provision of food, shelter, medicine and education to needy groups of people around the world. In this way, he practiced his belief that anything was possible if you just put your mind to it and worked hard to achieve it.

But Harold’s life was not completely, duty driven. He was also an adventurer. From the beginning, when he took the first ride in his tiny pedal driven toy car, he appreciated the thrill of new experiences and places. Whether he was taking flying lessons to become a private pilot, giving his family the experience of living in South America, driving his RV through the US, touring the United Kingdom or on safari in Africa, he was always poised and ready to try new things. He felt that life was for living to the fullest degree. When he moved from Colorado to Arizona after the death of his wife, Carol, he saw the move as a chance for new adventure. He loved traveling throughout the state with his daughter and son-in-law in their motor home and learning about the diverse characteristics of the southwest.

Harold had a deep love and respect for nature. In his later years, he talked a great deal about man’s stewardship of the Earth and how man must strive to live in balance giving back rather than just taking from the natural world. He was easily intoxicated by the smell of rosemary in the morning, the beauty of sunsets, or the joy of watching animals, birds or insects in their daily behaviors.

Harold’s reward for the good life that he has lived is that he has become a part of the natural world that he so revered. He will be with us forever, in every plant that grows, every moon that rises and every sun that sets. He and his beloved Carol, who were married for but a short 64 years, are at last reunited and free to enjoy eternity together. Harold will live on in the constant memories of those who know and love him. This is not goodbye but instead “see you around”.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Centennial, Colorado.