Gary Thomas Pickens

Gary Thomas Pickens passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on September 6, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gary's life journey led him through Philadelphia, to Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his final moments. His unexpected departure was due to a stroke, an event that marked the end of a life lived with purpose, passion, and an enduring commitment to his loved ones and to the field of healthcare.
Gary graduated from Kansas University in 1973 with a degree in Classics and Literature. After graduation, he was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and resettled refugees for the Red Cross while living in Philadelphia. He earned a Masters in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Demography from the University of Pennsylvania in 1982. Gary also taught statistics and math at Drexel University while continuing his research on mathematical models of human population dynamics.
In 1986, Gary made a significant career transition, taking his expertise from the halls of academia to the forefront of the healthcare industry. As one of the founders of Sachs Group, he became a pioneer in healthcare decision support software. For over thirty years, Gary served as a corporate leader and expert in health services research, statistics, and demography. His profound understanding of clinical and administrative healthcare informatics, combined with his use of advanced statistics, machine learning, and geospatial models, allowed him to make significant contributions to the analysis of healthcare demand, cost, and quality.
Gary's professional success was matched by a rich and fulfilling personal life. He was a loving husband to his wife Patty Riskind and a devoted father to his children, Carson Pickens, Jeff Salvadore, and Katy Pickens. His role as a father-in-law to Caroline Reuter and Maggie Rose was embraced with the same warmth and kindness he extended to all aspects of his life. Gary was also a doting grandfather to Oliver, Simon, and Matilda, who brought immense joy and laughter into his later years. His sister, Shelley Baker, shared a special bond with him that remained unbroken through life's many seasons. Gary was also a dog-lover and cherished his time with his late schnoodle, Della, and cavapoo puppy, Buster.
Beyond his family and career, Gary's interests reflected a man with a zest for life and a heart for adventure. He was an accomplished athlete, having run multiple marathons and cycled thousands of miles across the picturesque landscapes of Steamboat, Colorado and the Chicagoland area. He was a talented musician and was in several rock, hippie, and alternative bands throughout high school and college. He had a special love of the Ella Fitzgerald, Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, and the Foo Fighters.
As we bid farewell to Gary, we celebrate a life that exemplified the very best of human character. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and a memory that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life will be held with the family on Friday, September 6th (4-8 p.m.) and Saturday, September 7th (3-7 p.m.) at 4 East Elm Street, Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition in Gary Pickens' memory.