Duncan Pickering of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with his loving wife Barb right by his side. He was 71 years old.
Born in Chatham to Bertha and Elmer Pickering, Duncan grew up with the kind of straightforward, no‑nonsense personality mixed with quick wit, and an unmistakable laughter. He’ll be missed by his children Dawn (Mario Acosta), Cory Pickering (Jocelyn), Cameron (Nicole Varney) and Matthew Pickering (Emily), and was immensely proud of his grandchildren Cadence, Jasmine, Abigail, Avery, Ollie and his most recent grandchild Vienna. He is survived by his brother Roy Pickering (Joan) and was “Uncle Dunc” to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Bonnie Normandin.
If you knew Duncan, you would understand that having a formal funeral service was not an option. Instead, he chose something that fit him perfectly — he donated his body to the University of Western Ontario where he’s now considered a teacher to a group of doctors in training and quietly helping shape the next generation. It’s a fitting act for a man who didn’t need attention to make an impact. He is leaving the world a little better than he found it, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.
