Kent Pickett

Kent A. Pickett, 77 of Mancelona, passed away peacefully with his family at his side in Traverse City, MI, on Dec. 6, 2015, due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Stockbridge, MI, on Jan. 6, 1938 and grew up in Munith and Unadilla, MI. He was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of '56 and completed his tool & die apprenticeship through Jackson Community College. Kent married Beverly Glynn on July 28, 1962 in Unadilla, MI, and they lived in Jackson and Rives Junction.

Kent was mechanically gifted and got his first machining job at Boos Products in Unadilla. In 1959 he joined Miller Tool & Die in Jackson and began a 27-year career as a journeyman tool & die maker and leader, including a short stint at the Oldsmobile axle plant in Lansing. He put thousands of hours into building large special machines and automation equipment for the automotive industry.

In 1984 he co-founded Northwest Tool & Machine, Inc., with his son David, and with the support of his wife Beverly. The business had locations in Rives Junction and Jackson, before settling in Blackman Township. The business earned a reputation as a leading precision machining company in mid-Michigan. Kent stepped back from daily operations of the company in the early 2000's, and began establishing his homestead in Mancelona, MI, eventually retiring there in 2008.

Kent loved to build, remodel, and fix everything and anything. He always made himself available to upgrade and improve all of his childrens' homes and vehicles. Woodworking was his passion, working on projects during the last few weeks of his life. While raising four children with Beverly, he was active in all of their pursuits. He took many camping trips across the country with the family, and boating on the great lakes and Torch Lake. Later in life he was also able to travel with Beverly to Hawaii and Alaska.

He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Beverly K. Pickett, children David E. Pickett of Jackson, Karen E. (Kyle) Huss of Spring Arbor, Jennifer L. (Tony) Dysert of Springport, Kent A. (Catherine) Pickett, Jr. of Jackson; grandchildren Kameron V.K. (Ashley) Dysert, Katie L. Dysert, Keith H. Huss, Kyler N. Huss, Karissa T. Huss, Ann L. Dysert, Delaney H. Pickett, Hudson D. Pickett, Daniel H. Dysert; great grandson Kasen K. Dysert; along with brother Jack L. (Marilyn) Pickett of Michigan Center, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Howard T. Pickett, Winona F. Pickett-Majors, and sister Elaine McBee.

A celebration of Kent's life will take place on Dec. 19, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, 743 W. Michigan, Tel. 517-784-9175. Visitation will begin at 11am, with the service at 12 noon. Fellowship will continue after the service until 3pm

In Kent's honor, please make any donations to the Community Light House Food Bank, 430 W. State St., Mancelona, MI, 49659, or the Grass River Natural Area, PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.