Obituaries: John Michael (Mike) Pickup – April 25, 2024

John Michael ‘Mike’ in his 82 year, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024 at the Southampton Care Centre, surrounded by his loving family at his bedside.

Beloved husband and best friend of Vicky; and children from his first marriage Wendy (Don) Miskie, Saskatchewan; Julie (John) McLean, Dobbinton; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mike is lovingly remembered by Vicky’s daughters Teri-Lyn (John) Campbell, Tracy (Mike) Jackman and their four children who loved Grampa Mike.  Also remembered by nieces, nephews and many close friends. He is preceded in death by Marie Grahame in 1996, and one granddaughter.

Born in Preston, Lancanshire, England to Jack and Betty Pickup (predeceased).  In 1957, immigrated to Canada with his parents and sister Anne Cillis (predeceased).  They lived in Georgetown where they attended school until his relocation to Bruce County for employment. Mike was a Senior Draftsman for OPG at the Bruce Nuclear Site until his retirement in 2001.

Mike was an avid Naturalist and Birder with a long standing connection to MacGregor Point Provincial Park,  Friends of MacGregor, Huron Fringe Birding Festival, and Saugeen Shores Parks and Trails Committee.  Mike is the author of six birding books on Bruce County. He was a model railroad enthusiast, with dioramas, and diehard Toronto Sports fan, both Leafs and Blue Jays. He enjoyed recreational golfing, walking, curling , coffee club and his life in both Port Elgin and Southampton.

Mike’s family greatly appreciates the care he received over the past decade from Owen Sound Dialysis Unit, V.O.N., two special friends Stew and Doug, Saugeen Mobility staff and drivers, Dr. Blake, of Nephrology Dept. of the London Health Science Centre and Transplant Unit at University Hospital, London.

Cremation has taken place.  Celebration of Life to be held at a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Southampton Care Centre, “Residential Council Fund”, or MacGregor Point Provincial Park, “Friends of MacGregor”, or a charity of your choice in Mike’s memory.

Enjoy the solitude and uniqueness of nature as you sit quietly waiting for nature to surround you!” …  Mike Pickup.