Obituary of Paul G. Pickens

Paul G. Pickens of Trout Lake Road died June 8 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He had been a resident of Lincoln, RI prior to moving to Hermon three years ago. Paul was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1942, son of the late Jim and Stella McCullough Pickens. Survivors include his wife, Lynne Santosuosso Pickens, Daughter Rebecca Pickens and her husband David Nelson of Hermon, three grandsons Elias, Josiah and Walden Nelson, a brother Bob and Cheryl Pickens; sister Kathryn and Harold Ribble all of Canada, brother in law John and Janet Santosuosso, and sister in law Jane Ball, and several nieces and nephews. Paul graduated from Barrington College with a Bachelors Degree in 1965 and earned his Masters of Social Work from Simmons College in 1968. He served as Executive Director of Vocational Resources and as President of Good Will Industries of Rhode Island for 25 years. He was also a psychotherapist with Plaza Psychiatry of Woonsocket, RI. He was past treasurer of the Rhode Island AIDS Project, past president of the Association of Community Service Executives, and past president of the Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association. He served faithfully as a deacon at Christ Church, Lincoln, RI for 25 years. He was a recipient of the George F. Moore award, the Louis E. Baker Award, and the Bishop Higgins award. He authored The History of Christ Church Lonsdale 1833 - 1883, The History of Episcopal Charities,and Transition: Building Bridges from School to Work for Young Rhode Islanders with Disabilities. He was a member of the board of the Church and Community Program of Canton serving on the Personnel Committee; he served on the Town Council of Hermon, and was a volunteer for the Sustainable Living Program. Paul was an avid horse lover and was well known for hosting pony rides for children and adults. Mr. Pickens will be remembered at a Memorial Service to be held Saturday June 21 at 10:30 at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 17 Park St., Canton, NY 13617 or Christ Church Memorial Fund, 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865