ORRINGTON – Sherman R. Pickering, 55, passed away Dec. 2, 2008, after a valiant struggle with cancer, with his loving family by his side. Born Feb. 11, 1953, the son of Frank H. and Inez R. (Bowden) Pickering, he graduated from Bucksport High School in 1971. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a signalman aboard the USS Guadalcanal. Upon returning from the Navy he began working for what is now Verso Paper, where he had been employed for 33 years. Sherman held an 8th degree black belt in Karate and was an instructor for Tracy’s Karate, Bucksport. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working the family wood lot. He owned and operated the business, Pondside Trucking with his special friend, Richard Littlefield. He is survived by his wife, Susan Rose-Pickering; his mother, Inez Pickering of Orland; daughters, Christy Allison and husband, Steve, and Lainie Pickering, all of Bucksport; one son, Michael Pickering of Washington, Conn.; one grandson, Landon Allison; also sisters, Sandra Veilleux and husband, Charlie, of Bucksport and Karen Simmons and husband, Jeff, of Holden; a niece, Inez; and nephews, Adam, Lucas, Corey and Matt; as well as his extended martial arts family. Sherman was predeceased by his father, Frank H. Pickering in 2007; and his grandparents. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Dr. Van Kirk and the “Angels” of ICU at Eastern Maine Medical Center; Amy, Jen, Deb, Bryan, Amber, Darlene, Sherry and Karen and also Lindsey on the 6th floor, for their care and compassion. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Elm Street Congregational Church, Bucksport, with the Rev. Linda Smith officiating. A reception will be immediately after the service in Brown Hall. Committal will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Back Ridge Cemetery, Orland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tracy’s Karate, 760 Bangor Road, Ellsworth, ME 04605, to be used for a scholarship fund established in Sensei Pickering’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
SHERMAN R. PICKERING
