E Comp Rev Canon Frank E Pickard PPrGJ, PGStB:
It was with much sadness that we heard earlier this week that, on Wednesday morning in Northampton General Hospital at approximately 7.00am, E Comp Frank Pickard lost his fight against an illness which he had fended off bravely for so long over the last few years. He was 86 years of age.
His situation had gradually deteriorated of late and whilst we preferred not to face the inevitable consequences, his passing nonetheless came as a shock to so many. We convey our sincere condolences to his widow, Margaret, and the family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. E Comp Frank’s funeral takes place on Friday 14th July at 11.00am at Northampton’s All Saints Church.
He was a senior and experienced member of both the Craft and the Royal Arch - as a Past Provincial Grand Chaplain in the Craft Province for some 8 years, he was appointed to active rank for 12 months in the United Grand Lodge of England as Assistant Grand Chaplain in 1987. He was initiated into De La Pre Lodge in Northampton in February 1979, and later became a joining member of Forest Hill Lodge in London in 1984; he was Worshipful Master in both in 1985 and 1992 respectively. At the time of his passing to the Grand Chapter Above, he had been afforded honorary member status in no less than ten Craft Lodges.
But we know that he held a particular passion and affection for the Royal Arch, exalted into Eleanor Cross Chapter in Northampton in December 1982 and becoming a joining member of Forest Hill Chapter in January 1990. Most importantly, he was a Founder member of our own Waynflete Chapter, then based in Brackley, on its consecration in January 2002. He served as First Principal in all three Chapters with which he was so closely involved.
In June 1998, he was appointed our Provincial Third Grand Principal in Provincial Grand Chapter for two years, later awarded the rank of SLGCR in Metropolitan Grand Chapter in 2005 and rightly afforded the Supreme Grand Chapter rank of PGStB in 2007. We shall remember him for many years to come as a wonderful raconteur with a story to fit all occasions, a great support to all those who sought his help and with time to spare for all Companions, both young and old, who knew that, under that sometimes rather austere look, there lay a heart of gold in a Companion who was truly a Royal Arch man through and through.
I personally will never forget the time when our first grandson, at the tender age of five years, was diagnosed with leukaemia. With one’s faith well and truly tested, I vented my anger and frustration on all and sundry, not least, on E Comp Frank Pickard who accidentally fell right into my firing line. On reflection, I’m so glad he did – he so gently absorbed my ill-chosen words and frustrations and my doubts as to the existence of our Supreme Being. Yet, in the post just a few days later, a letter arrived, handwritten, from E Comp Frank urging me to keep the faith and strengthen my belief that all would be well. And so it came to pass – young Alfie, now at 13 years of age, enjoys the best of health.
E Comp Frank’s letter will serve as a reminder of a good friend, a great Mason and a Mentor to so many of us – it will remain with me until time with me shall be no more. Rest in Peace, E Comp Frank – you will be sorely missed.
Wayne Williams
ME Grand Superintendent.