Fellow teachers, former students and friends paid their respects to longtime Plymouth Schools music teacher Bob Pickell during a remembrance service last night in the high school auditorium. The recent retiree died last Friday at a South Bend hospital after falling through onto a cement floor at his Plymouth home. Pickell taught for 38 years in the school corporation, first as the high school choir director and later as an elementary school music teacher at both Webster and Menomonee. Plymouth High School Principal Jim Condon read a tribute on behalf of Superintendent Dan Tyree, who first met Pickell in 1979 when they were both new to the corporation.
“He was a creative choir director, and he knew how to motivate students by introducing them to a variety of music. I can still remember walking by his classroom and hearing his students perform songs created by the Manhattan Transfer. The kids absolutely loved those arrangements.”
Retired Plymouth High School Principal Larry Pinkerton hired Pickell for the vocal music teacher opening in 1978. He said he was impressed by his background as one of the Ball State Singers.
“He was a team player. He was positive and always available to help in any situation. I admired Mr. P for his dedication and commitment to do what is best for kids. His accomplishments are in stone and will be remembered forever.”
Lana Kruyer was a colleague and friend of Pickell’s for nearly 25 years. She recalled his sense of humor and optimistic way of living each day to its fullest.
“His love of music made him a celebrity of sorts. He could not walk down the street without being stopped by some student saying ‘Mr. Pickell, Mr. Pickell,’ for when making music it’s impossible to be strangers, and the students just flocked to him.”
Monte Kuskye was one of Pickell’s first students.
“I had three incredible years of performance opportunities and experience under Bob’s direction. What I had only dreamed about achieving, he taught me how to do. He believed in me more than I often believed in myself. By high school graduation, I had an epiphany. I wanted to be Bob Pickell.”
A choral group of Pickell’s former students sang three verses of “Amazing Grace.” Sigma Chi Fraternity members, led by former Plymouth teacher Mike Pettibone, also conducted a white rose ceremony for their brother.
We will air Pickell’s remembrance service Sunday at noon on our Maximum Impact public affairs show.
