"Ralph and I met for breakfast last year and it was fun catching up on family, sports, politics and reflecting on our days in the corporate world. He spoke of his love of family and described in detail the unique attributes that each of his three daughters, Annie, Mary and Becky possess. I was impressed by his recall of dates and events of our kids school days together at Ocean View, East Whittier and California High School. Ralph was obviously very proud of his kids, their husbands and grandchildren. Ralph and I both shared a love of track and field and we reflected on the great competitors of the 1960s- Wilma Rudolph, John Thomas, Valery Brumel, Peter Snell and others. Interest in the sport has waned and so it was fun to reflect with a true fan... The tributes by Ralphs cousin, Annie, Mary and Becky were moving and painted a detailed picture of what a great father he was. Ralph and I had talked of attending some Cal State Fullerton baseball games or a track meet at Mt. Sac... We talked of his current health , and I was a bit taken aback when he remarked the prognosis was not that promising. Nonetheless. he planned to enjoy his days as best he could... Ill long remember his friendship and good will he shared with others. Im glad we connected that day. Ralph will be missed by many of us. He was truly one of the good guys !"
In loving memory of
Ralph Dee Pickett
October 21, 1951 - January 27, 2011
Ralph Dee Pickett was born on October 21, 1951 in San Diego, California to parents Donald Bruce and Ethel May. He grew up in Ontario, California and attended Chaffey High School. He then attended UC Santa Barbara where he majored in history then continued on to UC Riverside for grad school. On September 11, 1976 he married Patricia Walker. Later, on April 23, 2001 Ralph married Esther Cho.Ralph grew up in Ontario, California. After completing his B.A. at UC Santa Barbara he enjoyed living in Pasadena. His work ranged from being a Book Store Clerk for Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles to Smith Barney account executive in Arizona. He spent most of his career years working for U.S. Sprint in telecommunications upper management. He lived in Whittier with his family for more than a decade, then later returned to his hometown of Ontario. Ralph also called Upland, La Habra, and Brea, California home. He enjoyed owning his own business for a time, as well. Ralph devoted much of his life to work and found great success, but his true joy was found spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. Mr. Pickett also enjoyed baseball, collecting coins and stamps, Disneyland, playing games, travel, ice cream, and watching sports. Ralph was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, California.Ralph Pickett passed away on January 27, 2011 in Brea, California. He leaves behind his three daughters and their spouses: Annie & Willie Murillo, Mary & Mike Smith, and Becky & Chris Keife as well as his five grandchildren Lucy, Charlie, Noah, Quincy, and Elias. He is also survived by his sister Karen Jennings, aunt Mickey Lee, cousins Mike and Ken Swanson, and his former spouses Patty and Esther.