Vernon PICKETT Obituary

Very, very saddened to read, after all these years, of Vernon's death. Came upon this obituary quite by chance. Vern and I were school-mates, third-formers, at Rongotai College some sixty years ago. Such a genuine, honest, true guy, and a brilliant swimmer. So sorry we lost touch. Sincere condolences to all the family. I very much share your loss.

A truly great bloke. So genuine, caring and intelligent and with a wonderful sense of humor. You will be missed Vern. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Okay Vernon. Didn't know you, never met you but even as a small child I was intrigued by my cousins, Vernon and Veronica, who were always out swimming on Christmas Day when Mom called your Mum to have a conversation with her. Dad always (sort of) complained cuz it cost $50!!! Mom always managed it by feeding us beans and franks for a month! When my husband and I finally came through Hamilton on our trip to NZ back in 2000, you were out rowing and no chance to meet you! So I always knew you and Roni were "water rats"! When you visited my parents in NY(by that time, I was in CA), they were so gratified you made the effort. Dad, ever the student of life-long learning, was enamoured by your grasp of your subject material and Mom was thrilled to finally meet her older sister's son. I know you are reading this missive from above...maybe this was the letter I should have written you when you were alive but like so many things, never got around to it. So until we finally meet, be a steward of those heavenly coastal waters so we can all share in their cleansing and healing attributes. And send water to Southern California - we are in dire need!
Your American cousin, Diana Paffrath Hardyand her 4 brothers, your Auntie Jean

Dear Pickett family, thank you for sharing the lovely Vernon with us, his knowledge, his kind way, and his ability to always make time to share and teach is so missed. I am forever grateful for his ability to share his amazing wealth of knowledge in a way that was accessible and so meaningful. The WRC coastal family has lost a great man and great friend. With much love to you all, Emily

Uncle Vern, you were such a kind, gentle man. You will be deeply missed. The side of you that came out at our wedding is a fantastic memory that will always be with us. We love you. Ace and Cal

Uncle Vern you will be sorely missed. You were so kind, gentle and always so positive. Thinking back to the days in Te Puke, when all us kids would pile in the backseat. They were great times and I treasure them forever. Love always Drena

Vern , you were such a gentle, kind soul with a great sense of humour and you will be so dearly missed by everyone. Love Jo and Bessie xo

I worked closely with Vernon for the last ten years. We spent hours together driving to Coromandel and back, inspecting seawalls and stomping around mangroves. I hold an immense degree of respect for Vernon, both as a person and as a scientist. He was kind and sensitive, intelligent and a deep thinker. I feel blessed that we were friends and that he took the time to teach and mentor me.
Vernon, I will miss you more than words can say x

Vernon, you are my supervisor and my friend. I always feel so lucky to meet you in NZ. You are so helpful to me. Thank you so much for your always support and encouragement. I have learnt not only knowledge, but also a scientist attitude. I am missing you...

Cathy LIU

Vernon, it was a pleasure working with you. Your enthusiasm and positive attitude was exemplary.
Thank you for the lasting impression.

In loving memory of a wonderful friend. Vernon has been a member of the Hamilton Rowing Club, first supporting Rachel and Katy through their years in rowing and later as club president, committee member and Masters rower.
Vernon loved his single and the quiet rows on the river. Vernon will be missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

I am so sorry to hear of Vernon's passing. He was always a gentleman and I enjoyed helping him when he was a student here.

The New Zealand Coastal Society wishes to extend it's sympathies to Vernon's family and his coastal collegues at both Waikato Regional Council and around New Zealand. He will be missed.

Vernon was a gentleman, scholar and a great friend and colleague to many in the NZ Coastal science & management community. A man of wide interests & great enthusiasm - he will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to Chris & family - Andrew Swales

Vernon is a sad loss to all those who worked with and cared for the coast. My sympathy goes out to Chris and the family over the coming days and months.

Good bye Vern you gentle soul.You were such a decent, reliable,loving oerson. Its just not fair, Uncle Peter & Marguerite