Randy Pickett, just as he did in all aspects of his life, walked his journey through cancer with strength, optimism, positivity and grace. A journey that reached its final resting point on September 30 ^th , 2021. Randy, 65, was surrounded by the love of his wife and best friend of 45 years, Susan; his daughter, Marina; and sons, Josha, Jason, Jeremiah and Jonah; and so many other family members and loved ones.

Randolph Ray Pickett, better known as Dad or Papa Randy was born in Deadwood, SD, on June 17 ^th ,1956, to George and Joan (Manikowski) Pickett being the middle of nine children. Randy graduated from Lead High School in 1974 after which he traveled and worked a few years before enlisting in the US Navy. On November 26 ^th , 1976, Randy wed Susan Bartels, starting their adventures and travels together; moving to Chicago, IL, and Summersville, SC, with Randy's station assignments. It was during this time Randy and Susan started a family which would blossom into five children and fifteen grandchildren. After four years in the Navy the decision was made to move back home to South Dakota to raise their children. Randy worked at Homestake Gold Mine along side several relatives and friends until production ceased, after which he explored a few different career options eventually settling back into mining with Caballo Coal Mine for 15 years before retiring due to his illness. Randy made friends at every stop along the way and touched many he worked with.

Randy had many passions in life, but family was always top of the list. Fishing with the kids and grandkids, coaching wrestling when his children were younger, hunting, playing cards with the family, teaching his favorite music to his grandchildren, simply loving and enjoying time with those around him regardless of the activity. Randy was a family man and incredibly proud of it and of his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to boast about them.

Randy was proceeded in death by his mother, Joan (Manikowski) Pickett, father, George Pickett, his maternal and paternal grandparents and two infant brothers, John and Delbert.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive through his loving wife Susan; daughter, Marina Pickett-Redig; sons, Josha (Vicki) Pickett, Jason (Brooke) Pickett, Jeremiah (Sarah) Pickett, Jonah (Morgan) Pickett; honorary son, Brian Redig; grandsons, Taylor, Brekken, Ben, and Jaxton Pickett; granddaughters, Savanna, Shaylee, Alexis, Brinley, Jerzee, Aubree, Emmie, and Sawyer Picket; Mady, Ellie, and Ava Redig, six brothers, two sisters, and so many other family members and friends that have been touched by his love.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Dr. Than Than Aye, her nurse Deb, the entire staff at the Monument Health Cancer Institute, Dr. Olivia Vaughan, her nurse Connie at Fort Meade VA for all the special care they provided over the past three years.

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