Obituary of Robert Clayton Pickering

Robert Clayton Pickering, age 84, of Broadalbin, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam. He was born July 13, 1923 to Clayton M. and Laura Bradt Pickering in Johnstown, NY. He played all sports at Broadalbin High School, and later worked at General Electric in Schenectady for 35 years retiring in 1978 due to illness. Bob played baseball, basketball and volleyball for years on the Broadalbin town teams. He was an avid bowler with the Broadalbin Men's League. He has been a Mason and Shriner for fifty years, belonging to Kenyetto Lodge #599, Broadalbin and the Cypress Temple of Albany. He also was in the Scottish Rite. He was a member of Broadalbin Chapter #487, Order of the Eastern Star. He was organist in the Masonic Lodge for 40 years and organist at the Northampton United Methodist Church at Fish House for 8 years. He is a past grand officer and was awarded "Mason of the Year" in 1971, recognized mason of the Fulton & Montgomery District in 1979, and received a service plaque for dedicated service and personal contributions to Kenyetto Lodge #599 for 1996-1997. He was a member of the Northampton United Methodist Church at Fish House since 1960. On June 28, 1944 he married Elizabeth "Betty" Rue, who survives. Bob and Betty and close friends traveled extensively throughout the United States. Survivors also include a son, Robert M. Pickering Carolyn; and five grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan, Robert, Kyle and Jeffrey. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Millard Rue and Wilbur Rue Joan, and sister-in-law Esther Cook Lester, all of Ballston Spa. Services will be Monday at 11:00 am at Northampton United Methodist Church at Fish House. The Rev. Brad Broyles will officiate. Interment will take place in the spring at Broadalbin-Mayfield Rural Cemetery, Broadalbin. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 5 pm Sunday at Jeffords & Stewart Funeral Home, 85 W. Main Street, Broadalbin. Kennyetto Lodge #599 will conduct its ritual at 2 pm Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to Northampton United Methodist Church, c/o Patricia Ferguson, 7409 Fish House Rd; Broadalbin, NY 12025.