David Glenn Pickett

David Glenn Pickett passed away at home on August 21, 2024, in Pioneer, CA at the age of 72. He was born on December 7, 1951, in San Mateo, CA to Hugh and Frances (Koontz) Pickett.

David is survived by his wife, Roberta Pickett of Pioneer, CA; children, Brandi Clark (Mike) of Pioneer, CA, Josh Ray (Cassie) of Prunedale, CA, Joel Ray of Pilot Hill, CA; grandchildren, Jacob, Braydin, Aiden, Italy, Lucas, William, Daniel, Ian, Tyler, Korbin, Scarlet, and Hazel; brother, James (Nancy) Pickett of Kearney, MO; as well as nieces, Cheryl (Bryan) Bruner and Heather Pickett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Frances Pickett, and nephew, Christopher Pickett. 

David grew up in the Belmont/San Carlos area, graduating from Carlmont High School in 1970 and achieving an associate’s degree from the College of San Mateo.

What began as a teenage hobby trail-riding and flat-tracking, soon became a passion and Dave became an avid off-road motorcycle enthusiast participating primarily in enduros and cross-country events. He combined his skills in sales with his love for motorcycles as the owner of Kawasaki of Redwood City in the ’80s. 

In 1998, concerned about the direction the State of California was going, Dave jumped into politics, running for CA State Assembly, District 5. Although he lost the election, he met many influential people and gained a tremendous knowledge about governmental processes. Using that knowledge and his extensive experience in the off-road community, Dave dedicated the remainder of his life to advocating for the rights of motorcyclists throughout Northern California and Western Nevada. Dave was an AMA Life Member, served as President of AMA District 36 from 2004 through 2013, and served as the Legislative Action Officer for the District for 14 years. He served as an AMA Congressman for 20 years and was a lifetime member of the Blue-Ribbon Coalition and California Enduro Trails Riders Association. One of his most treasured moments was in 2011, when he earned the Jim Hutzler Service Award — AMA District 36’s highest honor. In all these roles, Dave tirelessly advocated for off-road trail access for enthusiasts across his district, allowing a thriving off-road riding community in District 36. Even after his retirement in 2018, Dave was a respected voice in the off-road community meetings and events.

Whatever Dave tackled, he did it with passion and enthusiasm. He energetically supported his wife in all her career endeavors and served as President of the Bear River Summer Home Tract for 10 years.  After retirement, Dave split his free time between working on his home in Pioneer, participating with his wife in many Rotary club and district functions, and restoring his beloved 1969 VW Convertible Bug. 

Dave was a man of action who stood by his values. He was beloved by many and will be missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life later in the year to honor Dave. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org) or to Sutter Amador Hospital Foundation (https://www.sutterhealth.org/amador/giving/giving-opportunities).