Judson Hayden Pickup, 94

Judson Hayden Pickup, 94, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Judd was born on a ranch in Wiggins, Colo., on May 8, 1915, to Hayden Frank and Mae Blanche (Smith) Pickup. At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Cattaraugus, N.Y., returning to Denver, Colo., for his high school years. He attended East High School starring in track, running the 100 yard dash in 9.9. There he met his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Swan, whom he married on Aug. 2, 1936. Judd and Jeri shared a loving marriage of 75 years.

Judd’s love of cars began at the age of 10 when he learned to drive a bakery delivery truck. The bakery owner had him sit on a tall pillow and wear a big hat in order to look a bit older. At 15, he began his motorcycle racing career. After several seasons, Denver’s midget racing sparked his interest. His most prominent racing years took place in 1937 at Denver’s Merchant Park and in 1938 at Lakeside Speedway. Judd was crowned the 1938 Colorado Midget Racing Champion after nine victories in a row. His wins rank high in the annals of the Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association’s history. His favorite race car was his Offenhauser. After a short but successful career, he retired from active racing in 1939, though his love for cars never waned.

Education became a top priority and Judd and Jeri moved to Northern California where he began work on a mechanical engineering degree at Cal Berkeley. They lived in a tiny apartment taking in another student to help pay their $25 a month rent.

During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a lieutenant on flyboats near Treasure Island off the coast of California.

Following the war, he went to work for Pan American Airways as a flight engineer. He later began a 30-year career with Champion Spark Plug Co., as a sales representative and district sales manager, traveling in cars he loved to drive. Over a lifetime, he acquired 87 cars, treating each one with care and respect.

Judd was a devoted family man, and with Jeri, lovingly raised their daughters, Judi and Jean. Many memories were created on annual summer trips throughout the United States (by car of course) as Judd shared his love of history and geography with his “girls.” He always scheduled the day’s travel so the family would arrive at their motel in time for lots of swimming. In later years, he and Jeri vacationed in Hawaii, Italy and Switzerland. They also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with their special friends, Marj and Eddie Anderson.

Judd began golfing at 52 and continued into his mid-80s. At 81, he was featured in the Seattle Times as on of the “fastest” golfers on the Bellevue Municipal Golf Course. He played three times a week and could complete 18 holes in 2 1/2 hours… without a cart. “Cars are for riding and golf is for walking” was his motto. His secret for staying young was golfing, a hot tub soak and a daily teaspoon of golden raisins soaked in gin.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Elks Club and the United Methodist Church wherever he made his home.

Judd is survived by his wife, Jeri, Coeur d’Alene; daughters, Judi Lundak, Sandpoint, Idaho, and Jean Fastenow, Okanogan, Wash.; four grandchildren, Diana Hartman, Bozeman, Mont., Linda McCorgary, Spokane, Wash., Jon Lundak, Walla Walla, Wash., and Laura Lundak, Sandpoint; one great-granddaughter, Mya Jean Hartman, Bozeman; four nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and his brother, Stacey.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Loyalton (205 E. Anton Ave.) in Coeur d’Alene, with Pastor Heather Seman of the Community United Methodist Church officiating. Following the memorial, a reception will be held in the Loyalton library.