Andre Lance Picard Sr., of Lapwai, died on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane.
He was born on May 30, 1956, in Seattle, to Eugene and Theodora Picard. He attended Culdesac Elementary School and Highland High School in Craigmont.
In 1978, he had his first child, Andre Lance Picard Jr., and three years later his second child on his birthday, Angela Picard, with mother Cassandra Allen. His third child came in 1984, Nicholas Picard, with mother (the late) Penney White, and a year later, Antoinette "Pooie" Picard was born. Ashton Picard was his fifth child and was born in 1991 and Alicia came two years later, with mother Leanna Beth Lewis. His youngest child was born in 2002, Atosha Picard, by mother Delsie Greene.
In the late '80s, he became a journeyman carpenter working for several companies and eventually starting his own construction business called A.L. Picard Construction. He worked as a carpenter until a back injury limited his ability to work. Once able, he began subcontract work and part-time work for companies throughout the Northwest.
He was an avid fisherman and activist for treaty/hunting rights. He was a lead organizer and helped to initiate the Nez Perce Fisherman's Committee and the United Tribes fisherman's committee, which included a rally and spiritual walk in May of 1981 from Celilo, Ore., to the steps of the state building in Olympia. This work helped to solidify the Nez Perce Tribe's interest in protecting the tribe's treaty and hunting rights. In these years, he gained a passion for learning and sharing cultural knowledge. Following his elders' lead, he participated in and made it his responsibility to help bring back Wahlusut ceremonies to the reservation. Along with Horace Axtell, Roy Hayes and others, he learned the songs, drumming and longhouse way. Andre helped to renovate the "Little NiMiiPuu Longhouse" at the Elsie Frank residence in Spalding.
He was very instrumental in helping his family make a subsistence living, always making sure to teach his nephews, sons and young men to give thanks and honor the traditions. He helped to grow fresh vegetables in a community garden to help feed single families and elders. He was very good at checking in on those less fortunate and to help out when called upon for funerals, ceremonies and initiations.
During the summer, you could find him visiting with his friends and relatives across the Northwest at Yakama Treaty Days, Arlee Celebration, Pi-Ume-Sha Wallowa Pow Wow, Coeur d'Alene Stickgames, Mud Springs, Spokane Labor Day Pow Wow and Pendleton Roundup. He raised his children to dance with pride, sing loud and have fun at stick games.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Theodora Picard; maternal grandparents William and Marie Arthur Allman; paternal grandparents Clarence Picard and Elizabeth Reynolds; and sister Elizabeth (Missy) Johnson. He is survived by his brothers, Eugene Picard Sr. (Kay), Brad Picard Sr. (Charlene), Bill Picard (Lori) and Daniel Picard Sr. (Angie); his sisters, Marylu Mendenhall, Julie Picard and Lori Picard; his children, Andre Picard Jr. (Maggie), Angela Picard (Joe), Nicholas Picard, Antoinette "Pooie" Picard (Matt), Ashton Picard (Sandy), Alicia Picard (BJ) and Atosha Picard; and his 13 grandchildren.
The dressing and viewing took place Monday at Malcolm's Brower-Wann in Lewiston, and was followed by Seven Drum Services officiated by Chuck Axtell at Pi Nee Waus Community Center in Lapwai. A sunrise service was held Tuesday, with burial following at Coyote Cemetery and a dinner at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 AM
- Location
-
Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center
99 Agency Rd.
Lapwai, ID 83540
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Condolences
Dawn J
A good friend to my father, I was saddened to hear of MR. Picards passing. Always a warm smile and a good laugh was expected when I seen him with My Father. Much Love and Prayers to those who he left behind. He lived his life to the fullest.
KIWA
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 2:36 PM
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