Dave Dixon passed peacefully at home with his family by his side after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Dave was a fourth generation San Franciscan and a proud graduate of St. Gabriel Elementary, Sacred Heart High School and SFSU. He retired from Delta Airlines in the 90's to become a licensed MFT, opening the door to an impressive career as a mental health clinician in private practice in Marin County, several Bay area school districts, and for the County of Sonoma Behavioral Health, working at the Main Adult Detention Facility, Sierra Youth Center, and Juvenile Hall. Dave helped to transform hundreds of lives and was a mentor to many, though he always saw himself as a small part of a much larger picture. He was a champion of underserved youth, families and elders and volunteered at the Canal Alliance and Whistlestop teaching English as a second language.

Dave lived his life with intensity, curiosity, passion, and an ever-present sense of humor. He was a devoted husband and family man and if he was your friend, you surely counted yourself honored.

He was a man of great integrity; authentic to his core, his joyful wit and positive outlook was an inspiration to all who met him.

Fly free beloved Dave—always in our lives and hearts.

Dave is survived by his wife of 28 years, Theresa (Terri) Henderson; son, Brian Henderson; sisters, Carol Edwards (Doug) and Nancy Alvarez (Paul); and six nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his parents Antoinette and Richard Dixon and his brother, Mark Dixon.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Unity In Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Novato. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dave's name to: St. Gabriel School Tuition Assistance Fund, 2550 41st Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116 or Canal Alliance ESL Program, 91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael, CA 94901

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 14 to Jun. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dixon

14 Entries

Carol Calvert

Planted Trees

James Stevens

December 20, 2019

Rip my friend and my condolences to his family

Shem Gardner

June 28, 2019

I was lucky enough to share several afternoons with Dave at the ball park. I will never forget those wonderful days. He was a special person that always sincerely cared about his friends. I will miss him dearly!

George Aceves

June 27, 2019

There are only a few people in this world that could lift a persons spirit like Dave could. A special talent held by few and admired by many. I worked alongside Dave on many occasions at the Juvenile Hall. He had the ability to deescalate a volatile situation effortlessly. He did it with compassion and grace. He helped many troubled youth get past dire situations. Im sure a lot of the individuals Dave helped throughout the years ended up making good choices in life instead of bad ones. In essence, making this world a better place for everyone. He loved his family and spoke of them often. This world wont be the same without him. To Dave's family: Please take comfort in knowing his spirit lives on through many. Including myself.

Since I cannot make the service for Dave, please accept my condolences.

Lisa G

June 21, 2019

Dave had the greatest laugh and smile. I will not be able to think of him without a smile. He was incredible and his love, laughter, and joy of life touched and inspired so many and will always be remembered. He and Terri were a true couple and worked hard on marriage to make it loving and nurturing. I am so blessed to have had Dave in my life.

Love and prayers to Terri and the family for peace and comfort on the passing of such wonderful person.

Alexandra Fox

June 20, 2019

For the last 20+ years that I knew Dave there was not one interaction that did not leave me smiling or laughing. I shared a special bond with Dave that is hard to put into words. We just got each other. I often didn't need to say anything and he just knew what I was feeling or what I needed to hear, making me feel instantly calm in his presence. He touched my life in an unquantifiable way, as a mentor, a friend, as my family. Rarely did I ever say Dave's name by itself, it was always "Terri and Dave". Their partnership is something I will look up to and hold as a model for my own life. True soulmates who were unafraid to do the hard work it takes to show up for each other everyday and be their best selves. Before I turned 18, Terri and Dave were my "guardians" in case anything happened to my mom, one of their closest friends. The definition of guardian has the following synonyms: protector, defender, champion, caretaker, steward...Dave was and even in his passing still is all of these things. My guardian angel. My sweet Davey, I will hold you; your wisdom, zest for life, sense of humor, unrelenting wit, selflessness, adventurous spirit and strength always in my heart. I promise to honor you by LIVING the biggest and fullest life I can; to be spontaneous and wake up each morning determined to get after it, enjoy each moment and be grateful for being able to do even the mundane and hard things. I promise to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it and not be ashamed to get it. Thank you for everything you taught me and all the love you gave to everyone you touched.

Deborah Fox

June 19, 2019

Dave lived life to the fullest with integrity, authenticity, courage, humor and love. He touched so many lives with his wisdom and wonderful ability to engage with kids, teens and adults in any situation. Thank you for always being there for me. I will cherish the memories of the many adventures I shared with you and Terri. The love and respect you have for each other is something so special, you are truly soulmates. Goodbye for now my friend. You are loved and you will always be in my heart.

June 16, 2019

May Almighty God and his son Jesus Christ bless and comfort your family in this time of sorrow. John 17:3

Diane Peterson

June 16, 2019

I worked with Dave at a high school for at-risk teens in the early 2000s. Dave had great relationships with all of the students - even the toughest, most closed off ones. He cared so much about every kid and they could all feel it. What a loss. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

Carol Calvert

June 16, 2019

May your light shine bright in Heaven as it does now and forever in our hearts. Thank you for loving me.

Tom Cavallero

June 16, 2019

In the half century I've known Dave, I can't remember one person Dave didn't get along with or someone who needed his help that he wouldn't stop and assist. As a professional therapist, there are a couple of hundred functioning adults around today who have Dave to thank for surviving their adolescence. Dave cared about people - he was a genuinely nice guy with a lot of class.
Dave loved life and shared that love with Terri, truly his soulmate. In the last year Dave accepted what may come and only worried about Terri and his family. To the end, Dave's was still caring for others.
Dave leaves a legacy and will be missed by many.

Jack Crimmins

June 15, 2019

Ah, what a great guy. Dave and I worked together, collaborated, laughed together, and shook our heads together at how crazy things could sometimes be. A great clinician with kids and families, Dave was insightful, dynamic, and he connected with kids in powerful, healing ways. Dave was the ultimate team player, counted on by Juvenile Hall and Sierra and Health staff because he was solid, trusted, a great therapist, had strong clinical skills, could assess kids, and would be there in a crisis. Hey Dave, as good as it gets; that's you, man. Dave was committed, kind, a straight shooter, with a great laugh and a wonderful spirit. Dave's spirit shines on in all of us. We got lucky, getting to hang with Dave. Thanks, brother.

Melanie Griffin

June 14, 2019

One of the very best people I have ever known. Thank you, my dear brother from another mother, for your guidance, wisdom, and for the abundant laughter. I sure am going to miss you, man. While I feel my own loss, my heart is with your family at this time of mourning.

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