Austin Charles “Pops” Pickard

January 28, 1939 - April 5, 2026

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Austin Charles Pickard, lovingly known as “Pops,” on April 5, 2026 at the age of 87 years. Born on January 28, 1939 to Norman and Ida (Noland) Pickard (predeceased), Austin was a proud lifelong “Haweater,” deeply rooted in Manitoulin Island, the place he always called home. On October 10, 1958, Austin married the love of his life, Beverley “Bev” (Johnstone), at Ice Lake Church. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on September 25, 2019. He was by her side when she passed in their Ice Lake home, and he missed her deeply every single day. Austin was first and foremost a family man, and nothing made him prouder than the family he built. He would often say how lucky he was to have such a large family, proudly counting his 13 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, a number that brought him immense joy. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Mary (Kevin) and Tammy and daughters-in-law Marthe and Carol. He was predeceased by his sons Ted and Danny and son-in-law Shawn. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Beverley (Don), Clint (Monique), Patti (Andy), Sae, Kathryn (Kevin), Austin (Sarah), Fred (Kelsey), Ryan (Jen), Angèle (Denis), Gilles (Jonelle), Mandy (Mathieu), Michelle (Brent) and Erin (Aaron). He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Grace (Rickey), Abby, Charlie, Ellie, Clarke, Nico, Kevin Jr., William, Primrose, Finn, Link, Nova, Shawn Jr., Gideon, Milo, Leah, Amélie, Zacharie, Malérie, Charles, Daniel, Kaitlyn, Sam, Karley, Lennix and Avery. Austin is survived by his siblings Lorna Orford (Jim) and Stanley Pickard (Jackie).  He passed peacefully at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Mindemoya, surrounded by his family and cuddled by his beloved dog, Herc, who was his constant companion. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Manitoulin Health Centre for their compassion and care. A heartfelt thank you to Billy and Sally Orford, Brad Parkinson and John Robertson for their friendship and unwavering support. Austin will be remembered as a man who built, fixed, created and cared, not just for things, but for people. He was strong, generous, deeply talented and endlessly devoted to his family. To all who knew him, he was simply Pops, and he will be missed beyond words. A celebration of Austin’s life will be held at the Ice Lake Picnic Grounds on June 27, 2026, at noon.  In honour of Pops and his passion for classic cars, we warmly invite anyone who owns one to bring it along to the celebration. It would mean so much to have them there, not just as cars, but as a reflection of something he truly loved. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ice Lake Picnic Grounds or the Manitoulin Pet Rescue.