Obituary of Frankie Pickup

Ralph Francis “Frankie” Pickup Reserve Mines It is with profound sadness and broken hearts we regret to announce the passing of Ralph Francis 'Frankie' Pickup, 72 of Reserve Mines, formerly of Dominion. Frankie passed away peacefully at home January 19, 2021. Born in Dominion, he was the son of the late Francis Pickup and Jacqueline (Hall, Pickup) Campbell. Frankie worked for Devco at the Victoria Junction Wash Plant, retiring in 1999. He later worked at Stream Call Centre for 9 years until sickness forced him to retire again. In his younger years Frankie played fastball for many teams including Dominion, Gardiner, Glace Bay, New Waterford, and Halifax. He also coached Little League in Dominion. Frankie loved sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins fan. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was especially proud of winning a trophy for his first deer. Frankie adored his children and grandchildren and they never left the house or hung up the phone without hearing, “I love you.” Frankie was a kind, gentle, caring man and anyone who knew him could attest to that. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. Frankie took immense joy in the fellowship that could be gained over a simple cup of coffee. You didn’t come in contact with Frankie without receiving a handshake, a smile and a wink, and a sense that you just talked with someone who had a genuine interest in how things were going. Frankie lived believing that happiness was only real when shared so, for him, nothing was too small as a cause for celebration. If you were happy, he was happy, and if you weren’t, he would do anything and everything he could to help you find something to smile about. He always looked forward to his nightly calls from Tracey which brightened his day no matter how bad he was feeling. He also waited for the Bruins to play Montreal or Toronto so he could make a little side bet with Aaron or Devin. Frankie loved to be in the garage with the grandchildren where many bird houses were made, and rocks were painted. Frankie is survived by and will be deeply missed by his loving and dedicated partner of 35 years, Priscilla MacDougall, daughter Tracey (Brad) MacCharles of Halifax, sons Aaron (Marg) Pickup, London Ontario, Devin (Joeanna) Pickup, Dominion, grandchildren Tanner (Kendra), Rion, Brett, Devin, Maya, Lola, Luke, Ryan, Hayden, Landon, Myra, Austin, and babies to be, Jackson and Melanie. Frankie is also survived by his nephew Bill (Tanya) Barrett, stepbrothers, Johnny and Arthur Campbell, and step-sisters Jo Stoyles and Sheila Murphy. Besides his parents Frankie was also predeceased by his sister Catherine (Mikki) Barrett, brother-in-law Clarence Lewis, granddaughter Jonah Wynn MacCharles and his fur baby Holly Anne. The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon for the wonderful care and kindness he always showed Frankie and to Doctors Kian Khodadad, Dale Miller, and the many nurses who cared for Frankie over the years. Thanks to the County Homemakers, all the EHS paramedics, and the wonderful VON for the excellent care and love shown to Frankie, especially his angels Kim, Lenore, Janelle, Amanda – he loved you all. Special thanks to Palliative Care Doctors Saneea Abboud and George Burns. Thanks to Vital Aire Megan Steeves and thanks to the caring and dedicated staff of Dominion Pharmasave who Frankie thought so highly of - Janice, Ashley, Patrice, and Stephanie. Frankie’s children pledge their fondest love and gratitude to Da's life partner and best friend, our stepmother, Priscilla, for the amazing care, love, support, and kindness she has always demonstrated to us and to our Dad. Priscilla took such pride in ensuring he had a wonderful life and was by his side until his final breath. As per Frankie’s wishes cremation has taken place under the care of T. J. Tracey’s Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, (902)849-4199. The funeral will be held on January 25that 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Parish, Reserve Mines. Donations may be made to the Hawks Dream Field at hawksdreamfield@gmail.com. Love ya – “Keep your stick on the ice”! - Frankie Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is limited, social distancing and masks are to be adhered to. Thank you. To view the memorial video of Frankie Pickup, it can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/j7FU_MGzYR8