David and I met playing C&D basketball at Soquel high school in 1964. I was a 5 foot freshman with big feet and love the game of basketball. We we’re good friends in high school and had classes together. After graduation, I lost track of him but reading his wife’s post. I find that we had a lot in common. I was also a psychology, major and teacher for many years along with coaching and running a solar business. We both loved the Golden State Warriors And I saw him at a game I believe in 2014 or there about. I will miss Humor and sense of purpose.

I learned about David's passing just today. He was my manager for a 2-3 years at Kaiser back in the 90s. He was the most consequential manager I had. A very kind, yet impactful person. I will miss him. I called him when I turned 50 to thank him.

I'm learning from these tributes that David was a multi-faceted man of many accomplishments. I know him only through our connection at the Sea Ranch golf course where he would check in as one of our early-morning regulars. He used a golf app to log in his score and read distance from the pin. I liked his deliberate approach, but more than that, hearing his tales of holes well-played. He will be missed !

During the playoffs, everyone in our household thought and talked about David regularly. We are passionate about the Warriors because of him. Mixed emotions of celebrating and missing him. Where ever you are, Bless You, David Sawi! 

Like many, I thought of David often during the playoffs. I wondered what his analytics would have been. I could see his broad smile.

Yes, David has been on my mind for every game this year. I think he watched over his favorite team and pushed them to victory.
I miss you, my friend !

David and I stayed connected using Warriors games as a connection point. Watching game 6 of the finals tonight I find myself feeling David grief. Love you David.

David was an inspiration and friend . I knew him in elementary and high school but  I got to know him better after high school when I was a bilingual teacher in Watsonville. 

What a lovely tribute. Andy and I were so sad to hear of David's death. We had only recently met him here at Sea Ranch and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We had looked forward to getting to know him better. We look forward to seeing you here, at Sea Ranch, Beth, and to hear stories about David to know a little more about him.

Beth what a beautiful love story you've shared here, so lovely to have this window in to David's life and your family. Sending blessings.

A beautiful eulogy Beth and so nice to have the picture filled in.

David was my guitar student for 9 years and I’ve only rarely had a student as self-directed and dedicated. I would show him things and write out material and David would come back not only having rewritten my notes and transcribed what I’d shown him but also having transcribed other recordings.

His attention to detail, facility for organization, and his great sense of humor were inspiring, and I always looked forward to seeing him. We would mostly talk guitar, but we’d also talk about our lives, and it was clear that David was compassionate and generous with those around him and the things he cared about.

I’m so glad I got to know David; he was a wonderful man and I’m going to miss spending time with him.

Thank-you Beth for your wonderful eulogy and giving us the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings. I'm very sad for the three of you and thoughts of David and my own sadness are with me every day. 
David and I worked together at Youth Services where we each managed an outpatient counseling program for youth and families.
David was a fabulous therapist, and had he stayed in the field he would have contributed enormously. David never became overwhelmed. He saw the irony and the possibility in situations and went from there. He connected easily with kids and had no problem challenging them. One of his greatest therapeutic tools was his humor. He could get kids to see that their destructive behavior was mostly self-destructive and got them to laugh at themselves. 
A quality that made David such an effective therapist was the quality I always enjoyed enormously about him. He could deal with a situation with intense scrutiny and analysis, and then find the irony, the humor and share it with his infectious chuckle. I'll really miss that chuckle.

I can’t express how saddened and devastated we are to have lost David. He was truly a kind, generous, compassionate and all round great guy. For such a modest may, he leaves a giant hole. We always loved sharing laughs with you both and John loved his company golfing and talking about almost anything, especially sports and music! I always admired how David didn’t just have interests, they were in-depth passions, things to be mastered! We loved the time we had with him and are richer for it. He is sorely missed

I, along with, Al enjoyed sailing with David, great memories of Mexico, Canada, and SF bay.
One of my favorite memories is a lovely lunch we had with David, Al and I, and our daughter and her family from Seattle. It was on the patio at his vineyard with beautiful views, great food, and delicious wine from his own vines!
He was always so kind to me. He will be missed.

Dear Beth - what a lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing some of the amazing adventures you and David had together. I hope in time that these memories will bring you comfort and peace. I’m sending love and healing vibes to you, Maia and Theresa.
Barbara Darrow-Blake

The day always started brightly when David, walking the dog, appeared near Peet’s. He always had time for a chat, invariably interesting and humorous. I will miss those casual encounters tremendously. 

Dining with David was even better, and better yet when he cooked. He made the scrumptious meal accompanied with superb hosting appearing effortless.

I will miss David’s intelligence, kindness, and humor. He leaves an unfillable hole in all the lives he touched. 

Beth!

Your lovely tribute so captured the essence of David which is no small feat given what a full life he led of purpose, service, curiosity, adventure, and most of all love of family. He so loved you, Theresa, and Maia. True, David could be crusty on the outside and a romantic he was not....but his humanity and love for life showed up in not so much what he said....but in what he did which I believe is really the true measure of person.... his deeds, generosity, friendship and smarts. And of course he had great taste in women. He selected a great life partner in you. Hugs. JB

So grateful to David (and Beth) for having the biggest hearts in Berkeley.

When we started Berkeley Humane’s Annual “Best in Show” Fundraiser, David and Beth showed up as Freight audience members. Very soon thereafter, they became Platinum supporters (in several capacities) for the organization’s rescue mission.

Michael and I loved seeing David at The Freight (at a show or in a class) whenever we were lucky enough to cross paths. David’s genuine kindness, sincere
interest, gentle brown-eyed gaze, and unassuming nature always made us smile.

David’s generosity extended well beyond Berkeley; his expansive heart knew no limits. We are truly grateful that he graced our lives.

Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.

Love, Lisa and Michael

Thanks Beth & familia for the opportunity to savor David's life! Great life; great job.

David & I worked at Youth Services in Santa Cruz County for a couple of wonderful years where we were able to serve, learn & support change in ourselves & nurture growth in others - what a deal!

Given David's analytical bent & bone dry humor, it's an overstatement to say it was a joy working with him, but it sure was fun!

Thank you for sharing the rest of his life with us.

Terry

So sorry to hear about your family's loss, Beth. He was a splendid man. Sending you good wishes and strength. 

Beth,

David was my first interview at Kaiser.  In addition to his assessing whether I would be good fit in Medical Economics, he offered a compelling case for why he was proud of making a career in the organization. When I left that day, I hoped I'd get the job. Long after joining KP and even after we'd both moved on from Medical Economics, his wisdom and mentorship were invaluable several times. 

Our partnership as season ticket holders for the Run TMC era Warriors gave us many hours together talking about work, family, and life in general. 

I'm so glad that you referenced David's sometimes caustic sense of humor.  His ability to balance a desire to share his acerbic and sarcastic takes on life (a trait we had in common) while at the same time embodying such fundamental caring and decentness was a tight rope act that I have strived to emulate . 

I'll miss him.

I am saddened to hear of David's death - yes - far too soon.

Behind David's acerbic wit was a kind and generous heart, loving towards animals, a sense of humor that got him through the challenges of owning a 235 acre ranch.

David and family had the privilege of living on Sonoma Mountain for over 12 years. The ranch was my home for 8 years before the Sawi's acquired the property. It truly was a blessing to have lived on top of Sonoma Mountain and I was grateful that, along with my husband, we were asked to stay and manage the property when the Sawi's acquired it as the 3rd owners.

Beth, thank you for posting such a wonderful tribute.

Querida Beth. Vamos a extrañar a David inmensamente. Su curiosidad, su sed de aprender, su gentileza. I remember clearly the first time David came to Mexico City. He quietly made his way into our hearts. He started out a bit shy, and mysterious. And as the week progressed an incredibly curious, gentle, funny character flourished. And he gave us such a wonderful gift, to count you as our familia.  Un abrazo de parte de todo el equipo.

What a beautiful tribute. I was always inspired by David's wide-ranging knowledge (and goofy sense of humor) during the years I knew and worked with him at the Freight, but I now realize that I saw only one tiny piece of his amazing explorations of the world. I have been holding David in my thoughts when I announce shows at the Freight, and I feel he is there with us, smiling and maybe tapping a foot, whenever great music fills the hall. With much love to Beth, Maia, and Theresa.

Dear Beth,

Thank you for this profoundly moving tribute. I really didn't know David. I do know you a bit. Your appreciation of David helps me embrace his spirit fully. If I follow the tears on my cheeks to their source, I see David clearly now.

Thank you for honoring him so I can love him.

As a fellow board member, I spent many hours with David in meetings as we transitioned to the new Freight and Salvage Coffee House.  I was always impressed by his perspectives, generosity, hospitality and passion for the music.  The Freight is part of his legacy.  It was gratifying to read his eulogy and learn how well and fully he lived his life.

Beth, thank you for sharing that beautiful eulogy. You’ve described the David we knew and loved. He was a wonderful friend to many of us — kind, loyal, generous to a fault, and always supportive — a very special person. Like many others, I consider myself very fortunate to have had David in my life. I think of him every day and miss him badly.  

I can attest to David's thirst for learning and playing guitar. I have worked with him over the past few years playing fingerstyle blues. It was all on zoom over the past year and half, but he was one of the most prepared students I have had; he even caught me in a couple mistakes. I was looking forward to working with him on some John Fahey songs, which we were about to embark on before he passed. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Beth, your description of David was right on the mark. He lived life every day and always felt that if you wanted to do something, you should go for it. A few years ago, I was considering an adventure and almost didn't go. David gave me that his stern look and told me, you should do it! He was right! I will miss his sense of humor, his ironic take on the world, and his enjoyment of life. 

Beth, Maia, and Theresa -- David played an outsize role in my budding career at Kaiser Permanente. To this day, I can still hear him tell me -- the numbers need to go left to right, top to bottom, and FOOT in the bottom right-hand corner. Period!  That said, his faith in me saved my career on several occasions and I will be forever grateful for his guidance, mentoring, and sponsorship. Please accept my sincere condolences. He had so much to share. I am going to truly miss him.

Long long ago, a few days before David was scheduled to have bypass surgery, he called me unexpectedly and asked if I would be willing to keep Beth company while he was in surgery. How impressive that he had the presence of mind, and the follow through, to make sure Beth was taken care of while he was undergoing a scary medical procedure! 

A tiny vignette that exemplifies David's kind and thoughtful side, and his love for Beth. He was a very good man.

Beth, Therese and Maia. Stacey, Chloie and I are so sorry for your loss, send you are biggest hugs, and smile at your memories of David. He lived and loved this life his way. He was always so kind to all of us. He leaves a hole in Hickman family that will be hard to fill. Chloie will honor his memory with their shared passion for the Golden State Warriors. Stacey will do so as a fellow "married into the family" person who truly doesn't understand our fascination with fly fishing. I honor his passion for fine wine, and his love for you three.

With a sad heart

Cousin Don

Too, too soon for such an amazing man. What I remember most about David is his intensity, focus, enthusiasm, and decision-making. And of course, his kindness. I wish he was still with us.

Not being able to see David again is such a sad and painful thought. Since we moved from Berkeley to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek in early 2020, I have thought of David often. I was looking forward to the day when I would invite him to visit and come and check out the golf course in Rossmoor. Unfortunately, I never got that chance and now he was gone.

David and I were on the Finance Committee together at the Freight & Salvage for many years. We virtually always saw eye to eye on everything when it came to analyzing the data and trends. We formed a true partnership and both enjoyed sharing ideas with each other. Connecting with someone intellectually In that kind of meaningful way was truly fulfilling for both of us.

When there was a change in management at the Freight, David and I worked side by side to effect a smooth transition in the organization. David, being David, preferred to work in the background while I was more out front. But we locked arms and really dug in on lots of picayune details and solved many thorny problems. None of it was easy but we were both committed to doing the work. He was never into looking for credit for himself and his hard work; he was just committed to the task at hand and was truly dedicated to the organization and our mission. He had so much integrity in how he approached every situation.

David was never really the warm and fuzzy type and didn’t readily express emotions. But I still felt like he understood me and I could talk to him about lots of important things. I really valued our friendship and partnership. 

My sincere condolences to the entire Sawi family. David was such a special guy. So many people are going to miss him deeply.

Beth thank you for that loving tribute to a wonderful curmudgeon.

Much too soon. Thank you for the beautiful eulogy. It evokes David so perfectly. I sure wish he was still here with us. What a terrific human being. Thank you for being such a loving family to him and encouraging him to follow all his interests. He had a big impact on my family and so many other people we know.
Sincere condolences and gratitude for a life well lived.