John F Pickett

John Foster Pickett

November 28, 1934 – November 3, 2026

John Foster Pickett, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Everett, Washington, joining his beloved wife, Marlys, in heaven. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all.

Born on November 28, 1934, in Seattle, Washington, to Dwight and Anatha Pickett, John grew up in the University District and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and went on to attend Western Washington University.

John and Marlys met in Bellingham on a blind date in the spring of 1960 and were married that August. In 1964, they moved to Everett to help open a Haggen grocery store, choosing Everett as the community where they would build their life and raise their family.

John spent 20 years in the grocery industry, working his way up to store manager at Haggen. He later spent nine years as a general contractor building single-family homes, followed by more than 20 years owning and operating J&R Painting in Everett. Known for his strong work ethic and unwavering fairness, John took immense pride in providing for his family. He made friends everywhere he went and always took time for a conversation.

John was passionate about his family and loved supporting his children at their school activities and sporting events. He was famous for waking the household with a cheerful, “Rise and shine, it’s morning time!” John and Marlys were inaugural season ticket holders for the Seattle Seahawks starting in 1976 and remained loyal fans throughout their lives. They treasured family vacations and spent many happy weekends at their trailer at Lake Connor Park.

As a proud grandfather, John cherished taking his grandkids to local parks, the Imagine Children’s Museum, and out for ice cream treats. An avid walker in retirement, he was a familiar face throughout his neighborhood. He continued his daily walks while living at Washington Oakes Retirement Community for seven years, before spending his final year in the care of Harbour Pointe Memory Care.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Marlys Pickett (2016); his granddaughter, Kayla Bailey; his sister, Dwana Moorehead; and his brother, Dwight Pickett.

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Bailey (Michael); his son, Garrick Pickett (Sherri); granddaughters Samantha Birk and Megan Welker; grandson Keaton Kinzer; step-grandchildren Morgan Hart and Madi Fargo; sister Jean Colbert; as well as his nieces Connie, Marilynn, and Karen, and nephews Brian, Michael, and Ted.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory – Greenacres Memorial Park (5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248). A celebration of life gathering will take place in Everett in the spring/summer of 2027.