John Hart "Jack" Pickart

Published in The Sacramento Bee on May 26, 2010

PICKART, John ''Jack'' Hart
A resident of Atherton for 40 years, died at home on May 14th surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He was 79.
Jack Pickart was born July 25, 1930, in Sacramento, California where he attended Christian Brothers high school and lettered in baseball and basketball.

A gifted athlete, Jack also played baseball and basketball for St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA. In 1952, he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. Jack credits baseball with saving his life; he was detained in the States to play ball for the Army while his 6th Infantry Division went to Korea. Most did not return.

From 1951 to 1956, Jack played professional baseball, pitching for the Sacramento Solons and then, briefly, for the Chicago White Sox.

After baseball, he worked for IBM in Sacramento, becoming regional sales manager for the western United States. After sixteen years, Jack left IBM and went to work for Itel followed by Formost McKesson. His love of the real estate industry lead him to join Cornish & Carey before co-founding Bayside Capital in Foster City, California.

Jack married E. Lynn Barry in 1953. They moved to Atherton in 1970 and raised three children. Jack loved to play tennis with his friends and grandchildren and was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed bridge, traveling with his wife, and entertaining friends. For eight years, he volunteered at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic where he greeted patients every Monday. His signature booming voice, infectious laugh and ruddy cheeks will be dearly missed.

Jack Pickart is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn; his children Kristin Spindt and son-in-law Chris Spindt of Menlo Park, Rebecca Pickart of Menlo Park, and John Adam Pickart and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Eaton Pickart of Gonzalez; his sister Mary Louise Sekul and husband Tom; and four grandchildren: Alison, Ben, Emma and Corinne.

A private family memorial was held on May 22, 2010.