Dr. Conrad Laverne Pickett died after a long illness on November 12, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., at his eldest daughter Amy's ranch near Hot Springs, SD. He will be remembered for his kind heart, consideration, humor and how he always put others first.

He was born April 21, 1931, in Pleasantdale, NY. Growing up along the Hudson River, he forever loved water. His mother's and father's names were Louisa and Alpha. He grew up in a family with two sisters and three brothers.

He graduated from Stillwater High School, New York, attended Ohio Wesleyan College where he played college football. At the University of Michigan he studied pre-med and met his wife, Jean Liberty. He then earned his MD from the University of New York Syracuse. He became a college doctor for four years at the University of Michigan, and in Fredonia New York. He then specialized in Psychiatry and worked for the Veterans Administration in numerous states including the Hot Springs, VA, South Dakota from 1979 until 1984, Ohio, Wyoming and Nevada. He also worked as a prison psychiatrist in San Luis Obispo, CA, and two years private practice in Adrian, MI. In his entire career of about 40 years he missed only 1 day of work.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean Pickett of Hot Springs and Petoskey, MI; six children, Amy (Dan) Pucket of Hot Springs; Jeffrey Pickett of South Lake Tahoe, CA; David Pickett of Petoskey, MI; Timothy (Esther) Pickett Petoskey, MI; Laurie (Bill) Hickman of Longmont, CO and Melanie (Cyril) Drier of Petoskey, MI. Ronald (Judy) Pickett of Boston, MA, and Ruth Ann Holmes of Cincinnati, OH, are his only surviving siblings. He loved to support his 12 grandchildren in the arts, sports, and their hobbies. Coming from a musical and artistic family, he enjoyed the arts, especially opera. His other hobbies included jogging, swimming, gardening, and singing in the barber shop quartet.

This grandpa, husband, brother, dad, and friend will never be forgotten. May his spirit dance in the wind and remain in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Herbert and Charles and sister, Louise.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 16, 2012, at Wesleyan Church, 2046 Canton Avenue, Hot Springs with Pastor Matt Shulaw officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at Wesleyan Church. A memorial service in Petoskey, MI, will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Conrad's name to benefit the Salvation Army.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.