Condolence
Robert P. Pickell II
Condolences
July 3, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Only just began to get to know Bob through tap dance. His sense of humor was awesome. I know it is selfish but I feel cheated. My heart goes out to his family. I am so sorry for your loss. Melody Norton
Melody Norton
July 3, 2016 at 3:22 pm
My son, Chase, had the honor of playing tennis as Bob's partner last Wednesday evening and therefore my husband and I chatted a bit after the match with Bob. I cannot put into words how this accident has touched our lives. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Susan Thomas
July 3, 2016 at 3:45 pm
He was family and the loss is ours. May his music live on in heaven just like his memory will here on earth. God bless the family. RIP Robert
Stewart and Judy Pickell
Chula Vista, Ca.
July 3, 2016 at 4:06 pm
I am saddened to hear of Mr Pickells passing. He and Chris were not just our neighbors for many years, they are family. He touched and motivated everyone he met to be the best they can be, and was one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had. Chris and boys, please accept our condolences on your loss. Jennifer, Michael and Foster Davenport
Jennifer Rees Davenport
Plymouth, In
July 3, 2016 at 4:58 pm
My deepest condolences to Chris and family. He brightened the world with his music. A great teacher and inspiration to many.
Nelson Chipman
Plymouth, IN
July 3, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Mr Pickell was loved by many! I was blessed to have had him as a choir director all through Jr High and High School. There are many memories I have through out the years. Crimson Connection was always such a blast as he lead us and taught us dances and music. He was and is a big influence in my life and a huge part of why I'm still involved in music. I am truly saddened of his sudden passing and I send my heartfelt condolences to his wife Chris and his sons Ryan and Jason. Mr Pickell will be missed dearly in the community.
Krista Trump
Plymouth , Indiana
July 3, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Pickell Family,
I had the honor of being in only the second class that Mr.Pickell taught for all 5 years of elementary school. He was the first one to ever teach me how amazing music is. Not only did he teach us music though, he taught us life too. Lessons about responsibility, kindness, and much more. To this day, those are the things I remember the most. The little lessons we received on a daily basis and thought nothing of at the time. I'm proud to say that I play multiple instruments in the PHS band, thanks to the love and passion for music that Mr.Pickell instilled in me. I owe him a big thank you, for being one of those teachers that taught us more than just the subject they were hired to teach.
Samantha Zechiel
Plymouth, IN
July 3, 2016 at 7:17 pm
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Pickell family. May the Lords Grace and Peace sustain you each day.

Most everything we needed to know to succeed in life we learned in high school from Mr. Pickell.
He taught us to strive to improve ourselves no matter the situation. He demonstrated leadership and taught us how we could encourage others to reach greater potential. He demonstrated how to make the world a better place by giving of our time, talents, and treasure.
We know his former students continue to use those lessons and a greater love of music that he fostered to enjoy fulfilling lives.

He introduced us to each other at a choir competition. Later when we crossed paths, he was interested and always offered encouragement. He taught both of our daughters still setting the same great examples to them. They both eventually were blessed to work at Menominee Elementary where they experienced his giving nature all over again. Simply put Bob was the best example we have ever known of giving unconditionally to others. Chris thanks for sharing him with us for the past 38 years.

Jerry & Fran Menser
Jerry Menser
Elkhart, IN
July 3, 2016 at 8:10 pm
I have known Mr. Pickell for 27 years, as he was Choir teacher from Junior High thru High School. I was so glad that I got to see him a few months back in Opie's Diner in Plymouth. I was there getting things set for our 20th Class Reunion and he walked and we talked for about an hour or so. He told me to also invite our Teachers as they like seeing how we're doing too. He told me that he couldn't wait until he retired at the end of the School year. He was a blessing to many and will definitely be missed by all who truly knew him. Hugs to Chris and the Boys, (Young men)
Anna (Holem) Gillam
Mishawaka, IN
July 3, 2016 at 8:23 pm
My son Jacob was fortunate to have been his student. Mr. Pickell taught with such passion and knew exactly how to teach them to love music. He was a kind and caring man, and I loved waiting for my son at the end of the day outside his classroom and listen to the enthusiasm in the room. I so enjoyed going to the school performances and watching the smiles on all of the children's faces as they sang as loud as they could for their parents to hear them because they had been practicing for months. RIP Mr. Pickell your love for music will live on in all those you taught.
Marla Murasko
MA
July 3, 2016 at 9:52 pm
Our condolences on your loss. May God wrap his arms around you all and bring you peace.
Rae Humphrey
July 3, 2016 at 11:27 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Pickell sang at my wedding 19 years ago at St. Michael Catholic Church. I will never forget how beautiful he sang The Lord's Prayer. Thank you Bob for your gift of music at mass at St. Michael. The congregation always sang more vibrantly with you leading the group. Your beautiful tenor voice will be greatly at church.
Marlene-Aleczandra-Thomas Dolan
July 4, 2016 at 12:18 am
Bob was a teacher to both of my kids in Jr high and SR high. He also had them both in Crimson Connection. As a parent I knew him by helping where ever I could. He was a joy and pleasure to know. Chris I don't know if I ever met you but I know the love he had for you and your son's. Know you are in our prayers as well as a community that will be there for you. God bless you and wrap his loving arms around you. Frank and Rita Firestone
Rita Firestone
NORFOLK, Virginia
July 4, 2016 at 8:43 am
To the family of Mr. Pickell: My condolences to you. May God give you comfort and healing at the this of sorrow and grief. Words can't express the emotions that I'm feeling right now. When I first heard the news, I was in shock and disbelief. Mr. Pickell was an amazing teacher. I had moved from Milwaukee the summer of my junior year and it was a big adjustment for me coming from a private school to a public school. He would see me in the halls and always said hello. If it wasn't for him, I would have not been so interested in musicals. Because of him, I became of fan of Rent and many others. Thanks for the memories of New York and many others Mr. Pickell. You were an inspiration to many.
Dia (Evans) Cooper
South Bend, Indiana
July 4, 2016 at 9:09 am
Today, I am truly saddened by the loss of this good man. Please share this with your friends. May we all celebrate his good life.

While traveling my long and winding road, I have had the good fortune of crossing paths with some very blessed people. Surely, Robert Pickell was one of these. What made him so special to young students was his ability to share countless hours of of his God given musical talents in such a fashion that they would forever be enriched. What made him so special to the parents of those students was the first thirty seconds of meeting with him. Bob had this unbounded depth of humility that when shared, you just knew you were in the presence of a great gentleman. He simply made you a better person for having known him.

So rest in His Gentle Peace, Bob Pickell and may God wrap His loving arms around your wonderful family until you are all together again.
Mike Sheehan
Plymouth, IN
July 4, 2016 at 10:30 am
Mr. Pickell was my choir teacher for the first five years of his teaching career, from my 8th grade year @ Lincoln through high school & the start of the newly-renamed Crimson Connection. Later in college @ Ball State that "Crimson Connection" continued, as several of my roommates & friends were University Singers, the same program that the Pickells were involved in. I have many fond memories of my time spent in Choir with Mr. Pickell, from every day classes to the time I spent working for him during free periods to the "Oklahoma" musical practices & performances (thank you Chris) to trips to ISSMA contests to the one on one interactions with him as a nervous choir accompanist. He was unfailingly patient and encouraging, & I remember most his laughter & good humor and humility, and the lifelong love of music and persistence that he fostered in his students. His lessons were lifelong. Jerry & Fran Menser said it well in their message of condolence ... the world & the Plymouth community have lost a beautiful soul, and I thank his family for sharing Mr. Pickell with so many of us for so long. May they take some comfort in knowing that he touched countless young lives in everlasting ways.
Jill Boomershine Kluszczynski
South Bend, IN
July 4, 2016 at 1:30 pm
I am shocked and saddened by the loss of Bob. So Unexpected and so soon. Bob brightened my days every time I was in the same elementary school where he worked. He inspired me and encouraged me as I learned my way around PCSC. Bob was an example of a humble servant of God. Everything he ever received from God he obviously gave back through his genuine love for others and gratitude for life. Chris, may God wrap you and the boys in a love unbounded by earthly limits. My sorrow for you is deep as Bob's love of family, his dedication to his career, and his Catholic faith mirror my own husband's, Because we knew him, we have been changed for good. I have no doubt, your Bob went straight up and is with the saints! May he rest in peace.
Jennifer Nowalk, Speech Language Therapist, PCSC
July 4, 2016 at 3:09 pm
The Nu?ez family extends it's heart-felt condolences. Bob was great fun and a wonderful asset to our church, to the Knights and to the community as a whole. Know that our prayers and continuing thoughts are with you.

May God comfort you in this time.
Simone Nu?ez
July 4, 2016 at 6:27 pm
There are no words adequate enough to express my sorrow on learning of Bob's tragic and sudden death. I was so happy for him upon learning he had retired to begin his next chapter. He was a high school friend that I treasured reconnecting with through our reunions and Facebook. The many laughs and memories we shared, the joy he had when talking about his kids and his work, as well as the opportunity to meet his wife Chris were just some of things that impressed me about Bob. He will be missed so much. Prayers to the family and thanks to our God for the pleasure of knowing Bob. God bless you all.
Debra (McKee) DeHaven
Noblesville , IN
July 4, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Dear Chris and family: Please except my sincere condolences on the untimely death of Bob. What a wonderful man he was. As a fellow music teacher I got great joy talking "shop" with Bob. You both sang for my Father, Merritt L Skinner in years past and I remember how impressed he was with Bob. As a fellow Ball State music major I know what a fine student he was. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Much love and respect. Ellen Skinner Bowen
Ellen Skinner Bowen
Plymouth
July 4, 2016 at 10:10 pm
I met Mr. Pickell while I was working at Plymouth High School as the Extra Curricular Bookkeeper. He was always such a pleasure to work with, always happy and upbeat, I don't think I ever saw him not smiling. He will be missed by all who knew him. I will miss him even though I had not seen him in a long time but I never forgot him or his smile. RIP Mr. Pickell you will not be forgotten.
Debbie Wray
Daytona Beach, Florida
July 4, 2016 at 10:33 pm
The passing of Bob Pickell has been very difficult, but has brought back so many amazing memories. I had the honor of being "Mr. Pickell's" student at Lincoln Jr. High and at PHS. Being in the Crimson Connection and in the musicals was almost like working in one crazy, happy family! When I grew up and began my career in Music Education, I tried very hard to follow Bob's lead, and be sure that my students had access to all of the opportunities out there!! Through the years, I realized how LUCKY we were to have Mr. Pickell fighting for those opportunities, and giving HIS time for us!
I feel honored to have been Bob's student, and hope that I can carry on his love of Music for many years!😌🎼
Kim Morrison
Culver, IN
July 5, 2016 at 7:35 am
Our grandson, Dolan, just completed 2nd grade at Webster Elementary. Mr. Pickell had such an impact on him, he was always so happy when he had music and loved the songs, dances and programs that he put on for the classes at Webster. He would come home from school singing the songs they had learned that day and he knew every word. He also liked Mr.Pickell's bow ties! We were watching Macy's 4th Celebration last night and immediately Dolan told us that Mr. Pickell had taught him those songs. Thanks for a wonderful experience for our grandson, he was saddened when retirement was announced and when he saw Mr.Pickell at the Farmers Market couldn't get to his side to see what he was doing. He played a tremendous part in Dolan's life and hopefully a musical future. Thanks Chris for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us.
Betty, Ralph & Dolan Berkeypile
July 5, 2016 at 8:26 am
Dearest Chris, I send -you hugs. And to your whole family hugs. Oh, such sorrow over Bob's passing from this life into the arms of his Heavenly Father. I know the angels escorted him to Heaven and he sings with a Heavenly chorus now. I know his family will be comforted as the Holy Spirit works to bless the hearts of those who grieve. I was a classmate from Yorktown High School. I enjoyed talking and dancing with Bob and Chris at our reunion. I respect the kind words from Bob that I will remember forever. As we cry our tears, may we remember how Bob shared his gifts from God and served his savior Jesus Christ.
With tears of sorrow, and hope in Christ,
Joan and Bruce
Dr. Joan Nathan and Rev. Bruce Nathan
Medford, New York
July 5, 2016 at 9:12 am
Chris and family,

Words seem so insignificant. My heart broke when I heard the news of your loss. There are incidents in your life that are hard to believe and this is one of them.

Mr. P., as I so affectionately called him truly changed my life. He let me know that acceptability is from the heart. To not be judged or judge others. He loved and taught with his heart, but more importantly we knew it was real. He wasn't just our teacher at school, he cared about us and that transcended into a trust. He was the one that called my dad when I was in a car accident. He was the one that could not start class until he heard one of my stories. He was the one that I chose to sing at my wedding. He was what I considered, a friend. I thanked him then, I thank him now.

Please accept my sincere condolences and as you go through these very difficult times, know that many hearts are breaking for you and praying for comfort.
Beth (Ray) Aker
July 5, 2016 at 10:51 am
Dear Chris and Family,
Sending our heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time.
Please know that you are in our prayers
Womens Care Center
South Bend, IN
July 5, 2016 at 10:52 am
Bob was my choir teacher from 8th grade and throughout High School. He really loved what he did and he really cared about his students and the direction of PHS-my condolences to his family and closest friends.
Andrew (Andy) Carter
Centerville, OH
July 5, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Mr. Pickell (I say Mr. because I was brought up right and I have great respect for him) you touched so many minds, hearts and lives in a vast sea of futures, hopes and dreams. You were, and always will be, an inspirational force in those you have touched and others who are yet to know of you. Your experiences span a great period of time and an even greater expansion of lives and you will be remembered for a long time to come for God had a special plan for you whilst you walked on earth and you have met all his goals, it has now come the time that he needs you with him. Blessed are we to have shared your life with you, Godspeed you on your journey home. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Scott A. Samuels
Argos, IN
July 5, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Chris, Ryan, and Jason,

Condolences to you on the passing of Bob. He was a special man and always made everyone around him smile. He will be missed. I am honored to have known him and worked with him for several years. We are all better people for having spent time with him.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go forward...one day at time.

Donna Burroughs
Donna Burroughs
Argos, IN
July 5, 2016 at 2:16 pm
So sorry to hear about the loss of our "beloved" Mr. P. He made such an impact on so many lives. There are no words to properly express what a wonderful person he was. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers, I pray that God will make His presence known and you will feel comfort during your time of loss. I can proudly say I was one of his original students, he started to work at PHS my sophomore year and I have many wonderful memories of him....(Aunt Eller/Oklahoma Class of '81)
Tammy Mahoney
Tallevast, FL
July 5, 2016 at 4:13 pm
I was very heart broken to hear this news. Mr. Pickell was a huge part of my High School experience. From Singing in the Choir to Crimson Connection he was always very supportive and allowed me to do acting and choir in the same hour my senior year. I also had many fun memories of painting houses and decks with him in the summers and doing the occasional teepee job on his house. As a matter of fact I lost the key to my car in his yard one night.....glad I had a spare. He was a special teacher who touched many and will be greatly missed. My prayers for the whole family during this time of loss.
Nathan Haeck
Webb City, MO
July 5, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Mr. Pickell was a true inspiration to all of his students! He was a great educator who taught us about music, of course, but also about life. All of us who were fortunate enough to have him in choir and especially the "Crimson Connection" learned respect, excellence, and perseverance. He was a gift to music education and to the many students he touched in Plymouth Schools. To the Pickell family, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss! May the outpouring of love help you through these difficult times and may God bless you all!
Kim (Holcomb) Starr
Conway, AR
July 5, 2016 at 7:45 pm
Bob was a friend and a colleague for all of the years I spent at PHS. He was always a lot of fun and made many days brighter. I saw him only a few times since I retired, but he was always excited to tell me how the boys were doing and show pictures of the young men they had become. I am sorry you lost him much too soon.
Sharon Jones
Sharon Jones
South Bend, IN
July 5, 2016 at 9:33 pm
I had Bob Pickell for my music and choir teacher for 6 years.
Unfortunately i have to miss the visitation due to work but the song wind beneath my wings by Bette midler comes to mind when i think of Bob and his teaching legacy. He brought alot of kids including myself out of their shell and for that he will truly be missed.
I know he is directing a beautiful choir in heaven and God rest your soul Mr. Pickell.
Prayers to the family!
Janet Sambo
Mishawaka, Indiana
July 5, 2016 at 10:52 pm
he was my fave teacher he made learning fun
i woudl have never thought many years after i graduated in 1986
that our paths would cross again he would often stop my martins super market
sit down have coffee with the 4 pm coffee group
i was sooo happy to back in contact with him
and he actually remembered who i was
the lonley little girl in the alto section
who wouldnt sing loud enough LOL

god bless
suzanne gibson
plymouth , indiana
July 6, 2016 at 9:53 am
Dear Chris,
I was so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My memory will always be of that one perfectly pitched sustaining note he sang for years in The Passion each Good Friday at the Ancilla Domini Chapel. I feel blessed to have heard it and have felt its power. I am sure Mary Lou McCarthy greeted him with open arms as he entered the Gates. I pray God will give you and your family the strength you will need.
May
May Crider
July 6, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Chris, Ryan, and Jason,

Condolences to you all on the passing of Bob. What a wonderful man, special and kind to everyone he met.

John Houin
John Houin
Cape Coral, Florida
July 6, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Chris, my sincere condolences to you, Ryan, Jason and all of the family.

Bob became my friend in 1973 at Ball State, where we spent countless hours in University Singers and Sigma Chi activities. His enthusiasm was contagious; his commitment to excellence inspiring; his dry sense of humor unforgettable. Bob's BSU friends recognized that he had the talent and drive to accomplish great things. The heartfelt tributes to his love of family, a remarkable teaching career, a legacy of service in his church and community, and a genuine zest for life are proof positive that he made a difference in our lives! Like hundreds of others, I am deeply saddened that he left us much too soon.
Dave Shaff
Indianapolis, IN
July 6, 2016 at 1:19 pm
My deepest sympathy to Chris and family. I had the privilege of being one of his first students at PHS. We were with him 2 hours a day for 3 years in class, as well as performances, contest, and hours of rehearsals for shows and musicals. His influence in my life was profound. His passion for music, desire for perfection, and love of performing, have become the cornerstone of my musical career. Singing Bach to Rock, from small bars to concert halls, his lessons I have carried with me. It was Mr. P who made me believe that I could achieve whatever I dreamed possible if I wanted to work for it. My heart is saddened that he is no longer with us, but at the same time rejoices that he is singing with the choirs of angels. His legacy will live on through his family, all of the many students he taught over the years, and yes in the music that I have within me. I have been given the privilege of singing with the Sistene Chapel Choir for the Pope in November. Please know that I will offer my performances and Masses on that trip in memory of Mr. Pickell. Thank you Chris for sharing him with us, and may our Lord be with you during this time. I look foward to the day when I will be able to sing with Mr. P once more! God bless you sir!
James Lipa
Chicago, IL
July 6, 2016 at 6:25 pm
May you know and feel the love and support that surround you especially from above.
A first class ticket to heaven is hard to say "no" to and he is singing in a much larger choir now.
God be with you this day and every day!
Shelley Heiden
Plymouth, IN
July 7, 2016 at 11:41 am
Rest in peace, my friend...I know you are singing with the angels.
Kathy Coleman
July 7, 2016 at 4:29 pm
We were so saddened to hear of Bob's death. He was such a positive and respected man. We will always remember his upbeat personality and warm smile. Bob will always be remembered for living life to the fullest. Our sympathy and prayers are with your family.
John and Sharon Scott
July 7, 2016 at 6:50 pm
Dear Chris and family, We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob brought such joy to so many people. May God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, Jayne,Mike, Katie and Abby
Jayne Erpelding
Fort Wayne, IN.
July 7, 2016 at 10:33 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a great man. I know that he will be missed by a great many in our country
Brenda VanWanzeele(Snead)
Plymouth , Indiana
July 8, 2016 at 9:41 am
Please know that Bob was a tremendous influence on choral music and education in our state. He was so respected, and will be missed. Our sympathies are with family and friends in this sad time.
Michael S. Wade
July 8, 2016 at 11:28 am
Plymouth will never be the same with out Mr. Pickell. He did so many great things for our children and community that we will always be thankful for. Continued thoughts and prayers to the Pickell family during this difficult time.
Jennifer Gunderson Hammons
Plymouth, In
July 8, 2016 at 11:31 am
Chris, Ryan and Jason-
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have great memories of Bob and the time we spent together at sporting events over the years.
We wish you peace-
Sherry and Brent Schafer
Sherry and Brent Schafer
July 8, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Chris and the entire Pickell family:

My sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
I have very fond memories of our time with the Ball State University Singers as well as the time
spent at Shuss Mountain. I will truly miss Bob's kindness and his sense of humor.

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Andy Cosentino
Indianapolis, IN
Andrew Cosentino
Indianapolis, IN
July 8, 2016 at 9:27 pm
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Marilyn, Randy, Leslie, as well as Robert's family and all the Pickells. We were so saddened to hear of Robert's passing, and pray for and wish for God's comfort and support of family and friends to surround you during this time of loss. Even though it has been many years since we were neighbors, we remember well those times and how blessed we were to know Robert and all the family.
Mike and Judy Bayman
Fishers, IN
July 10, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Bob's visits at the music store were always fun....he had that quick wit and we always shared a laugh. He will be missed. (Jan)
I did some remodeling for Bob and Chris and that was enjoyable. I'm so very sorry this great loss.
(Steve)
Jan Wagoner and Steve Listenberger
Plymouth
July 21, 2016 at 11:41 pm
Bob was a role model and local musical hero. I followed the BSU Singers from their first show in Emens Auditorium so any local student involved was an immediate ?hero? to me. But later, as I had the privilege to perform with his sister Leslie in Singers, I learned he was also a legend and role model to all of us in the group. It was a great pleasure to become friends through our association and reunions with music educators and BSU alum. He always had a friendly enthusiastic smile, quick wit, and extended sincere interest and encouragement. Even a short visit with him was a highlight of my Spec reunions. His students were blessed and they will carry on his legacy and passion for music. So full of life and activity, his absence leaves a huge abyss in the lives of many. My condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues.
Karen Bartling - BSU Singers 79 & 80
Muncie, IN

 

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