Obituary of Thomas Clasper Pickersgill

It is with great sadness and loving memories that the family wishes to announce the passing of Thomas C. Pickersgill, husband to Denyse Guay Pickersgill, after a lengthy illness in the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital with his family at his side. He was born in Rugby, England to the late Robert and Jane (Gibbins) Pickersgill. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Denyse; his son Neil (Carole) of Levis, Quebec; his daughters Brenda Rovner of North Vancouver, BC, Julie of Sussex, NB and Michele of Rothesay, NB; grandchildren Rachelle, Amelia and Natasha. He is also survived by his sister Beryl (Charles) Allen of Sunderland, England; brothers-in-law Jean Guay, Michel Guay, Gilles Guay and Robert (Hugette) Guay; sister-in-law Micheline Hallé, as well as many nephews, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his stepfather Fred Stewart; brother Robert, sisters-in-law Brenda Pickersgill, Jacqueline Guay, Charlotte Brousseau and Mariette Forgues; brother-in-law Pierre Guay. Thomas was a dedicated Naval Architect, graduating from the Institution of Naval Architects of England in 1954. He was also a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. He began his career at the WM Pickersgill & Sons Ltd. Shipyards in England. Moving to Levis, Quebec, he continued his career at Davie Shipbuilding Ltd. in Lauzon, Quebec. He was also employed at Litton Industries in Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas retired from Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd. in 1998 where he had been employed for over 20 years. After his retirement, he remained active in the shipbuilding industry as a consultant in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering for several years. He enjoyed and played several sports including curling and shuffleboard, however, his passions were soccer and golf, which he excelled at. Residing in Lakeland, Florida during the winter months enabled him to continue his passion and love for golf. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). As per Thomas’ wishes there will be no visitation. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Road in Rothesay on Saturday, March 19th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Lung Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.BrenansFH.com