David J. Mackin
June 8, 1935 - January 5, 2021
David John Mackin, a proud 85-year-old native San Franciscan, passed way in his home on January 5, 2021. His storytelling about growing up on DeSoto Street and attending St. Emydius and St. James Grammar Schools, was legendary. He attended Archbishop Riordan High School, graduating in 1953, and received his BS in History from the University of Oregon in 1957. After ROTC in college, he became a Second Lieutenant in the US Army, Fort Benning, Georiga, honorably discharged in 1957. He began his post-college/army life at Hallinan and Mackin Lumber Co, switching careers to financial management in 1970. He was dedicated to his role of SrVP, Certified Financial Planner, for 48 years, and enjoyed lifelong friendships associated with it, reluctantly retiring from Wells Fargo Advisors, in January 2019.

Dave was an Oregon Ducks football fanatic, a 49er faithful and a Giants baseball fan. He told stories about attending Seals games as a child. He produced two Oregon Duck daughters and three of his five grandchildren became Oregon Ducks.

His love of handball was unwavering, and as a 75-year member of the Olympic Club he continued to play handball right up until the pandemic. "Smackin Mackin" competed in national and international competitions, including Coolboy, Ireland. At the 2009 Handball Championship at the MAC in Portland, Oregon, Dave's daughter overheard two very young men, just seated for Dave's match say, "Is that Dave Mackin (on the court)? He's a legend."

Dave is survived by his daughters: Karen Mackin Karlsen (Kjell), and Lisa Mackin Ainsworth (Steve Gray); five grandchildren: Nick, Siri and Erik Karlsen; and David and Tommy Ainsworth; Barbara Cook, his companion and confidante of 20 years, and her sons Tripp Cox and Graham Cook. Dave is also survived by older siblings Roger Mackin and Catherine Dragon; a special niece, Lin Joyce, and many other wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, too numerous to name.

A graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery on January 22, at 2:30pm. Any gifts in his memory can be made to Archbishop Riordan High School, Development Office, 175 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 15 to Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Mackin

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

9 Entries

Michael Simenstad

January 9, 2024

Dave and Barbara used to come out to Maui every year and we spent many happy time with them. We certainly miss Dave. He was a fine guy and a loyal friend.

Colette Barnes

October 31, 2023

I was talking to a co-worker today and I mentioned David Mackin to her, I am saddened by his passing. I was David´s sales assistant at Prudential Securities in the early 90´s. He taught me so much about finances, I will be forever grateful for his encouragement to get my series 7 license. RIP David, I will always have nice memories of him.

Sylvia Zanello

January 29, 2021

So sorry to hear Dave passed away. His buddy, Arthur Zanello who gave him the nick name “smackin” just passed away also in December 2020.
I hope they are having some good doubles handball games up in heaven,, with Jim Keller and Fred Nagle, all good buddies. These guys had some great times together. Arthur and Dave just had a phone conversation,
I believe it was in October, I spoke to Dave also, and we were going to try to get together. Dave would always call me Ruth. My name is Sylvia.
Dave, may you Rest In Peace you were a fun guy to know.
Sylvia Zanello

Kelly T

January 28, 2021

I met Dave through my previous coworkers, Fred Nagle and Jim Keller, two of his very good friends almost 3 decades ago. We would meet for drinks at the Olympic club and then go have dinner in north beach or China town in the good old days of downtown happy hours. Our last dinner together was last year at Tadich Grill right after he officially finally retired after so many years. Our most recent plan was to have dinner together when indoor dining happened again. We never got the chance. I’m thankful to have enjoyed his friendship for so many years. He was friendly and thoughtful, an old school gentlemen and a charmer! I last spoke with him right before Christmas and I suppose I’m thankful I tried calling him last Friday morning. I was able to attend his funeral and meet one of his daughters. He was a good man and I miss him; I’m thankful to have known him. RIP, Dave ~ your nurse friend, Kelly

mike suchomel

January 25, 2021

I work at Olymipic Club as a Bartender I just loved when he would be addressed by staff as Mr Mackin and he would respond
CAll ME DAVE...,,.
and pause with an impish grin

Fred George

January 17, 2021

I will dearly miss Dave. He was a lot of fun both on and off the handball courts. There will be no more bets about Stanford and Oregon sports teams. That is sad. I hope to see him again someday. Fred George

Michael Simenstad

January 17, 2021

He was a great guy and a loyal friend. Also a fine handball player with a good sense of humor on and off the court. He will be well remembered by all who knew him.

Craig Trull

January 17, 2021

I am truly saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. I always enjoyed his company and we had much in common.

Dave bled green and although years apart we were fraternity brothers at the U of O. He lived with my high school football coach who was a mentor to me. Dave’s stories about him were fascinating.

Dave and I were a member of another fraternity, we played handball! The game creates a bond that is difficult to explain but extremely valuable. We played together in doubles as well as competed against one another in singles. David was a fierce competitor while always a true gentleman. Although we only saw one another a few times a year I always loved seeing him and catching up. I valued our friendship as did many others. He will be sorely missed!

Craig Trull

Holly Borghello

January 15, 2021

Dave was introduced to us by a mutual friend and became my financial advisor until his retirement. I looked forward to his calls before he retired and catching up with him at fund raising events to hear of his latest trips and travels to far away places. Rest In Peace Dave. You will be missed.
Holly and Rich Borghello

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