Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Pickens Obituary
On Sunday, March 29, 2020, William (Bill) Hickman Pickens III passed away in San Diego, California at the age of 73.
Bill was born on June 24, 1946 to William Pickens II and Sammie Bratton Pickens in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his BA and MA from the University of New Mexico, and his PhD in U.S. Economic History from the University of California, Davis.
Bill worked as a leader and consultant in higher education in California for more than forty years, serving at such institutions as the California Citizens Commission on Higher Education, Sacramento State University, and the Foundation for Educational Achievement. His most rewarding role was directing the Executive Leadership and Management Institute held at Stanford University. In 2018 he received a Distinguished Alumni award from the University of New Mexico for his contributions in the field of higher education.
In his free time, Bill enjoyed running, gardening, barbecuing, and writing a biography of his two grandfathers, Judge Sam G. Bratton and the famous sports promoter William H. Pickens. He embodied a lifelong passion for learning, and loved connecting with family and friends by phone and in person. He is survived by his wife, Monica Neville, and his children and grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Pickens
5 Entries
Juan Yniguez
January 15, 2024
So sorry to belated learn of Bill´s passing. I was a student of his when he was a TA/Lecturer at UCDavis. From there we developed a friendship of many years. During my 7 years of college, he was easily the best lecturer I ever had. Smart, organized, incisive, inspiring, and caring. He literally got me my first job after college at the California Postsecondary Education Commission. Over a decade later we reconnected when I was a senior staffer and he was a board member of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. He was brilliant, but more importantly, a loving mentor and friend. Rest in Peace Bill!
Colleen Nickles
May 18, 2023
My warmest condolences to Bill´s family. Bill was a member of my dissertation committee at Berkeley. Colleen Nickles
Colleen Nickles
May 27, 2020
Bill was one of my dissertation advisors at Berkeley. He was smart, articulate, and caring. My condolences to his family.
Ken
May 25, 2020
Bill was always dedicated to education and helping people feel comfortable with the process of learning. I remember when he was at Sac State and the Chair of the ADTAC -technology committee. One person on the committee said he felt like he could not contribute because he new nothing about technology. Bill told him, its okay, some are here to learn and others to participate. His way explaining committee members roles helped the person feel like part of the team. Thats would Bill would, be patient and help team members feel
Inclusive.
Bill rest in piece.
Michael Welsh
May 24, 2020
I have read Bill Pickens' MA thesis several times, and always found it very helpful for my research on a variety of New Mexican institutions in the 1930s. No one has written anything better, even after almost 50 years. I assume that Bill worked with Gerald Nash of the UNM history department, as did I. One can tell the influence of Nash in Bill's research and writing. It is not surprising that he had such success in California as a scholar.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in William Pickens's name
Memorial Events
for William Pickens
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Pickens's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
