ROBERT ORVILLE PICK, 84, passed away at home on February 6, 2025, after a 5-month battle with cancer. His last days were not painful, and he was comfortably surrounded by his son, grandchildren, and friends. He will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his daughter, Terri; his son, Brian; his four grandchildren—Margo, Mallory, Michael, and Myles. His parents, one granddaughter, Madison, and his beloved wife, Pam, predeceased him.

Bob was born in Middleton WI, to Norbert and Mildred Pick (nee Wesenberg) and lived in a 4-generation house, just North of Madison. His teen years were spent in Prairie du Sac, WI., working in his parents' 4 lane bar and bowling alley on Main St, manually setting pins, and learning to serve drinks. Graduating high school valedictorian and class president, then undergraduate at University of WI, and accepted a scholarship to UCLA to get his PhD in Chemistry. During this time, he met his wife of 50 years, in Pacific Palisades, Pamela Lee Pick (nee Tainter). Being in the military for 30 years, Bob and Pam enjoyed his different stations around the US and Germany, researching prevention of nuclear and chemical warfare, malaria, cancers; drug research, drug use and abuse. He worked on cutting costs and contract administration and consulting of labor distribution at the Pentagon. Retiring in 1992 as full colonel, Bob and Pam travelled the globe from their new home in Las Cruces.

Seeking his passion, Bob received his master's in history at NMSU. He cantored at Holy Cross Catholic Church, sang in plays, and the Vos Vaqueros singing group. He and Pam organized gatherings at their house of their neighborhood. Bob served on boards for the local historical clubs and volunteered for the DAC Historical Society, Human Systems Research, Institute of Historical Survey, MVM Consort, WSMR foundations, WRAIR, MOAA, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Native Plant Society, Audubon, and The Orchid Club.

In the early 90s--when GPS was new-- Bob received a grant to help organize the survey of historical sites of Summerford Mountain. With his lifetime friend Steve Phillips, this would be called "digging in the dirt for free." Bob loved speaking about history to groups both locally and when he traveled. He visited all the continents, but he also loved his high school and family reunions in Wisconsin. Mostly he enjoyed the beautiful views and weather of southern New Mexico.

A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 North Miranda Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005 on Monday, March 17, 2025, with the 9:30 slideshow, and 10 AM Mass.  Informal gathering in auditorium, after the service.

Livestream: holycrosslascruces.org, LIVE STEAM MASS, or https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC-DuG03aJ52lCXNDxhBE37A

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com