Laurie Gail (nee Laktin) Pickett
August 27, 1955 - November 2, 2009
Laurie passed away peacefully on November 2, 2009, less than a week
after being admitted to Burnaby General
Hospital after two months of home care.
She was predeceased by her father John and is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her son James, mother Nancy, brother Wayne, other “mom” Mavis, and husband Ed. Laurie was born in Trail, BC on August 27, 1955 and was brought to the family home in Kinnaird. Laurie attended elementary school in the area and finished her education at Stanley Humphries as an Honours
student, much to the chagrin of her younger brother Wayne who was always expected to follow through the school in his sister’s footsteps. Following her graduation Laurie moved to Vancouver to continue her education and after
gaining experience working for several
professional firms was hired by Derek Neale. Laurie’s skills as his Office Manager was instrument in the evolution of what would become NSDA Architects. While working at NSDA she married her husband Ed in 1987 and stayed with the firm a total of over 13 years until
finally becoming pregnant with her son James in 1996. At this time Laurie put her management career behind her in order to dedicate her life to James. This also allowed Laurie to spend more
time with her mother and brother in Castlegar, spending extended periods over most summers and many Christmas and Easter seasons. During her frequent visits to Castlegar she helped Wayne found Civil-Tech Services. She continued
for several more years looking after the office management while also giving Wayne direction and support until her illness restricted her ability to continue. She also was an integral part of the family consulting business, Laured Computing Services, and enjoyed a perfect part-time position at Ecowaste Industries in Vancouver. During her
summers in Castlegar with James Laurie
developed a love for the old Robson Pool and enrolled James in the Robson River Otters. Laurie would faithfully drive James to the pool each morning for the practices and return in the afternoon after lunch for the public swim.
Laurie’s only regrets were that she didn’t discover the pool sooner. It was close to James’ second birthday that Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Laurie underwent surgery, radiation and
major chemotherapy over the next year and went three years with clean checkups until she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The news was devastating and the prognosis was poor but Laurie decided to fight the disease for James’
sake. She survived almost triple the time given to her through her determination and the prayers and help of others. As Laurie’s metastatic breast cancer progressed, she required more care from the BCCA, the Trail hospital, the Spinal Unit at VGH, Medical Day Care at RCH, G.F. Strong
and finally 2D at Burnaby General. The family wishes to thank all the Nurses, Doctors, and staff at these facilities and in particular her oncologist
Meg, GP Diane, and all the Nurses on 2D who were there when Laurie slipped away with peace and dignity. There was a private family ceremony in Castlegar. There will be a Celebration of Life
later this month in Vancouver.
For further information please email
lgp@laured.ca. Laurie’s wish and the family’s request is that in lieu of flowers, a donation of time, services or money be offered to the cause or charity of your choice. Laurie’s personal cause was breast cancer research.
Laurie, you will always be in my memories.