Don Pickering

St Margaret Clitherow Roman Catholic Church at Gt Ayton was packed for the funeral and Mass of Celebration for the life of Don Pickering, the well-known and much-loved organist, who died suddenly on April 13th, his 70th birthday. The celebrants were Mgr Ray Charlton, Parish Priest, Mgr Seamus Kilbane, an old friend of the family, and Fr Anthony Storey, former Parish Priest.

Mgr Charlton said that he counted Don as a close and personal friend for many years. He was a dedicated member of the parish and had played the organ for more then 30 years, starting long before the present church was built, playing a donated pedal harmonium in St Margaret’s Hall. Mgr Charlton concluded: “He was a truly delightful person, with a generous, pleasant disposition, always smiling, a gentleman in the true sense of the word, and was God’s gift to us.” Don joined his wife in preparing the Ayton church for Mass on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.

An only child, Don was born in Teesville. On leaving school, wishing to pursue a career in electronics, he enlisted in the RAF and did a training course in that subject. He was posted to Kenya, where he completed his short-term service contract before returning to live in Teesville. He then obtained a job with the TV rental firm, Rentaset, covering a large rural area from Stokesley to Egton. He met his future wife, Anne, in 1958. They married in 1961 and settled in Ayton, where they bought the bungalow in which they have lived ever since. They have always said that moving to Ayton was the best thing they had ever done. Don was next employed by Shell at Teesport, but his department closed in 1985 & he was offered work in Saudi Arabia. It was a big wrench to go there, but he remained in the job for 15 years, enjoying his home leaves.

Don took a keen interest in the education of their daughter, Catherine, and was elected a Governor of the school. He also supported her interest in Connemara ponies, travelling with her to shows all over the country. He was delighted when Catherine’s pony, Marwood’s Doon Caedmon, won the Pony of the Year title at Olympia in 1995.

He was a keen photographer and enjoyed reading. He liked to participate in village activities and organised many quizzes for charity. In general, he loved life and approached all activities calmly, but with enthusiasm.

Don’s grand-daughter, Frances, was born in 1999 and she quickly formed an affinity with him. They loved each other’s company and Don had started to teach her to play the organ. Don was a keen organist. He played the organ at the 10.30 Mass at Great Ayton and also, on a rota basis, at the 9 am Mass at Stokesley. Years ago he played at all four weekend services in both churches. He loved a wide selection of music, in particular classical church music, organ music and especially the music of J S Bach. A performance in the church by The Angrove Singers of Music for Good Friday, the day after Don’s death, was dedicated to his memory. He will be sadly missed. Paul Pearson, son-in-law.