Robert Hugh Pickering


Robert Hugh "Pee Wee" Pickering was a Canadian farmer, curler and former political figure in Saskatchewan. He represented Bengough-Milestone from 1978 to 1991 in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan as a Progressive Conservative.

Life and career

Pickering was born in Wilcox, Saskatchewan in 1932, the son of Leslie Pickering. In 1960, Pickering married Dorothy Ann Somerville. They had three children.
Pickering died June 24, 2015 in Alberta.

Curling career

Pickering, known for having the "World's highest backswing" was also a Saskatchewan men's curling champion. Pickering, as a skip won 4 consecutive provincial titles between 1968 and 1971, and also won in 1966 and as a lead in 1961. Pickering represented Saskatchewan at six Briers; finishing second in 1961 playing for the John Keyes rink, tied for third in 1966, second in 1968, tied for third in 1969, fourth in 1970 and third in 1971.
Pickering was named to the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1974.

Political career

He served in the Saskatchewan cabinet as Minister of Rural Affairs, as Minister of Rural Development and as Minister of Parks and Renewable Resources. Pickering was dropped from cabinet in January 1985. In the previous year, Pickering had been charged with impaired driving and leaving the scene of an accident.