Rickie "Rick" Joe Pickrell

In Loving Memory of Rick Pickrell 1952 – 2026

Rick Pickrell, a man of endless stories, inquisitive intellect, and a deep love for his family and "brood" of dogs, passed away suddenly on April 27th following a heart attack. He was 73 years old.

Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1952 to Frederick and Georgia Pickrell, Rick grew up as an "Army Brat." His childhood was a map of military bases stretching from Arizona and Georgia to France. In 1971, Rick followed in his father's footsteps, joining the U.S. Army. That same year, he married Debbie Anderson. Together they had five children and spent much of Rick’s military career stationed in Germany before he returned to civilian life in 1976.

Rick was never one to sit still. His career path was as varied and interesting as his personality: he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, earned a degree in auto mechanics, drove a cab, helped open the Portland IKEA, and eventually retired from Multnomah County’s Distribution department.

In 2002, Rick met Mercedes (Merci), the woman who would be his partner for the rest of his life. They were married in August 2003 at Creston Park in a ceremony officiated by his Uncle Bill—a memory Rick cherished deeply.

Rick’s zest for life was found in the outdoors and the front row of a concert. He and Merci spent time catching every "aging rock star" that they could. Whether he was camping, reading, practicing with black powder guns, or throwing his signature "nails," Rick did it with enthusiasm.

An unrepentant extrovert, Rick could—and would—start a conversation with anyone. While his friends and family joked about hearing his favorite stories for the hundredth time, the silence where those stories used to be is now his family's greatest loss.

In 2021, Rick and Merci turned a camping destination into their forever home, moving to Prineville. Rick spent his final years in his element: hiking near the Reservoir with his beloved dogs—Brandy, Bandit, Opal, and the newest addition, Raven—and serving his community by volunteering with the neighborhood water district. Even in retirement, his inquisitive mind never rested; he loved learning how things worked and was never above sparking a lively debate.

Rick was preceded in death by:

 * His parents, Frederick and Georgia Pickrell.

 * His sons, Joseph and Bryan.

 * His sister, Vickie.

 * His "best pup," Bud.

He is survived and deeply missed by:

 * His devoted wife, Merci Pickrell.

 * His children: Jennifer (Gresham), Richard (Heidi, Gresham), and Robert (Kristi, Phoenix, AZ).

 * His siblings: Mike (Portland) and Gail (Lacey, WA).

 * His Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bill (Camas, WA).

 * His nine grandchildren: Shaylie, Hunter, Zack, Lily, Oliver, Elliot, Kadin, Jaxin, and Berlin.

Rick lived a full, loud, and loving life. He was taken too soon, but he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, curiosity, and a reminder to always stop and talk to a stranger.

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