David Michael Pickart

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, David M. Pickart. Dave departed this life on August 02, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love for his family. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Christopher D. Pickart and Amy M. Pickart, who will forever cherish the memories of his kindness, humor, and resilience. His presence in our lives was a gift, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled.

In Loving Memory of David Michael Pickart

April 14, 1959 – August 2, 2025

David Michael Pickart, beloved Son, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, has passed away on August 2, 2025 in Sacramento, CA at the age of 66. He spent most of his life in San Francisco and Marin County, where he built a life full of adventure, connection, and deep love for his family.

David was born on April 14, 1959, in San Rafael, California, to Jerry (Gerald) and Rita Pickart. He was the second of their two children. Growing up alongside his older brother, Ronald. His childhood was filled with joyful memories and strong family bonds, often spending time with his cousins Ken, Gary, and Lisa. He shared many treasured moments with his grandparents, Pablo and Kay Pickart, whose love and guidance helped shape his gentle nature and deep appreciation for family.

Some of David’s fondest memories were made at the family cabin on Donner Lake where summers were filled with fishing, swimming, laughter, and the kind of togetherness that left a lasting imprint on his heart. He also spent meaningful time at the family duck hunting club, in Princeton, CA, a cherished tradition shared with his grandfather Pablo, brother Ron, and cousins Ken, Gary, and Lisa. These experiences instilled in him a deep respect for nature, a love of quiet reflection, and a bond with family that endured throughout his life.

David began the next chapter of his life in San Francisco, where he started a family with his then wife, Tamara. Together they welcomed two children, Christopher and Amy, both born in the city he loved. David embraced fatherhood with quiet devotion, always putting his children first and offering them life filled with love, patience, gentle guidance and adventure. Dave was most proud of his children Chris and Amy, He never missed a chance to brag about their accomplishments, and his pride in them was boundless. Dave also had a deep love for his grandchildren Jasmine and Zion, he would tell anyone who would listen of their most recent accolades. 

In his later years, David found peace and joy on the water. He kept his sailboat at Loch Lomond Marina, nestled between San Francisco and Napa. With commanding bay views and a scenic boardwalk, the marina became his personal sanctuary a place where he could connect with nature, unwind, and embrace the quiet beauty of the sea. Whether sailing solo or sharing the view with loved ones, David felt most at home with the wind in his hair and the horizon ahead.

David was a lifelong explorer not just of places, but of people. He loved to travel, immersing himself in new cultures and striking up conversations with people from all walks of life. Whether sharing a meal in a tucked away small town or chatting with strangers on a bus, David had a gift for connection. His curiosity was endless, and his humor and kindness made others feel instantly at ease. He loved people and accepted people for who they were and embraced their differences.

He was also a master storyteller. With vivid detail and a remarkable memory, Dave could transport listeners into the heart of a moment. He told vivid memories of family and times spent with his brother and cousins’, stories filled with laughter, mischief, and love. He remembered everything, the names, the places, the sounds, the little quirks that made each moment unforgettable. Whether recounting childhood adventures or painting scenes from his travels with color and emotion, Dave’s stories weren’t just entertaining they were windows into the soul of a man who cherished family, friends, and found joy in the simple act of remembering.

A passionate music lover, David’s taste was as eclectic as it was soulful. From the raw emotion of Otis Redding to the rebel poetry of Bob Marley, the electric fire of Carlos Santana, the psychedelic journeys of the Grateful Dead, and the heartland grit of John Mellencamp music was his constant companion. It filled his home, his car, and his stories, often becoming the soundtrack to the memories he shared.

Above all, David was funny, hilarious, he could turn any stressful situation into laughter, and he fiercely loved his family. His humor was quick and clever, often catching you off guard with a perfectly timed quip or a playful tease. To know David was to know warmth, laughter, and unwavering loyalty and his memory will live on in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished.

David lived by the quiet wisdom of the words, “Not all who wander are lost” He moved through life with curiosity and heart, embracing the journey as much as the destination. Whether sailing the bay, swapping stories with strangers, or singing his favorite songs, David wandered with purpose, love, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. His life was a mosaic of meaningful moments each one shaped by his humor, his kindness, and his unwavering love of family. 

David was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Rita Hammel, his stepfather Lee Hammel, and his father Gerald F. Pickart. He also joins his dear uncle Dennis Pickart, and his grandparents Pablo Pickart and Kay Pickart, whose love and guidance shaped the man he became.

David is lovingly survived by his children, Christopher D. Pickart of Roseville, CA and Amy M. Pickart of Tracy, CA who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jasmine Hampton of Tracy, CA and Zion Jones of Mesa, AZ who brought him endless joy and happiness, his older brother, Ronald Pickart, along with his cherished nieces Jennifer Pickart, Kaitlin Pickart, and Courtney Pickart and cousins Kenneth Pickart, Gary Pickart, and Lisa Pickart, who held a special place in his heart. David also leaves behind his ex-wife Tamara Lessley,  although divorced they had a lifelong friendship while raising their two children. Dave has many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by his warmth, humor, and generous spirit. 

Dad, we love you may you rest in peace, until we see you again. 

With Love, Chris and Amy Pickart

A private cremation service will be held on August 14, 2025, in Rocklin, CA  with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.

For All Who Wander

Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien

Not all who wander are lost, they say,

 Some walk the quiet, winding way

 With open heart and steady pace, 

They find their truth in every place. 

Through fields of memory, skies of grace, 

He wandered far, yet left a trace 

Of laughter shared, of love so wide, 

A compass drawn from deep inside. 

Though he has journeyed past the veil, 

His story lives in every trail

 In every heart that he has crossed, 

For all who wander are not lost.

Anonymous