George Oliver Pickens born August 2, 1923, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Verne & Frances Pickens, raised in Kansas City, Missouri. I n Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

A favorite poem of George

By: lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD
(1872-1918)Canadian ArmyGeorge was an only child, his parents were both teachers, mother Math, father Industrial Sciences. To George they gave full range of the basement where he had his first laboratory for his ongoing experiments. He lettered in swimming, took All State, and graduated in 1941 from Northeast High School. George later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree Electrical Engineering. He served in the US Navy during World War II, submarines, attaining the rank of Lieutenant; part of his training brought him to San Diego where he met his beautiful wife-to-be Emily Miles, who had moved from Utah to to find work near the military base.

George & Emily

Emily's older sister advised her to be choosy in dating, and recommended she date an officer, as college-educated men would make a better future for her. She met George downtown San Diego dancing. They hit it off so well George literally swept Emily off her feet; he had her up over his shoulder in a fireman's carry as they left the dance and he was stopped by the police who checked Emily's ID, as she seemed so small and young. George went back east for further military training, Emily returned home to Utah, they continued to correspond; when George returned to San Diego he sent for Emily and they eloped to San Francisco where they married on July 8, 1945, just 3 days before George shipped out for his duty in the Pacific during WW II on a sub as a sonar engineer. By the time his ship arrived though, the bomb had been dropped and the war was basically over.

Life After The Navy

George was honorably discharged from active duty in 1946, continued in the Naval Reserves until 1952. George began his lengthy civilian career in San Diego with Navy Electronics Laboratory, his efforts included 12 patents for his various inventions. George operated a 2nd business, Gopic Designs. He ran his company from first in Ocean Beach, then Point Loma, even for a while out of his garage, and then finally constructed his office building in his back yard. George retired from NEL after 30+ years of service in 1980. His friendship with his colleagues continued throughout his life.

Family Life

George and Emily bought their home in Point Loma in 1953; they chose amongst 3 potential homes in the area, Emily picking the one closest to their Church, also near the schools. They raised their 3 children, Michael, who excelled in bicycling until he was drafted to Vietnam. Their daughters, Julie and Roxanne, had piano lessons for years, Julie preferred the music in the background while she danced ballet; Roxanne became an excellent singer, and still plays the piano.

Talents & Passions

George's passion for bicycling began initially in the 1960's in support of his son Michael who became a part of US Mens Bicycle team,1968 Olympics. George devoted much of his time to genealogical research including a cross-country solo trip, checking out tombstones and records for accuracy. He was a talented photographer, had his own dark room, and carpentry, gardening, home repairs, and a volunteer at his local church in many capacities, including Electronic Specialist, for San Diego Sixth Ward branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was just 2 blocks from the Pickens home.

Sunset

Never one to slow down or relax voluntarily, this past year George was greatly hampered by his affliction with Alzheimer and complications. He missed being able to see his friends in the neighborhood and weekly at Church, he missed his nearly daily phone conversations with his retired colleagues from NEL, friends and family; his missed being able to be home working in the yard or relaxing with his Persian cat, Nukins, but most of all, he missed being with his beautiful wife, Emily. Now George is where he is free to be able to keep an eye on Emily, and his family, which includes grandchildren (11) and great-grandchildren, (currently 14, will be 16 by summer 2009), as well as his extended family and friends and neighbors both here and those who have preceded him. George gradually slipped away after a valiant fight with the complications from Alzheimer's, January 25, 2009. We will miss you George, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and hope to return to this site often as we continue share photos, stories and grow memories, till we are all together again, enjoying your wisdom and wit.