I am sure my grandmother is very pleased with the dignity and care given for her final goodbye. The celebration was uplifting and flawless and my family and I will be forever grateful.
August 14, 1956 — November 1, 2018
David Steven Pickerell of Mt. Washington, Kentucky passed away on November 1, 2018 in San Francisco, California at the age of 62. Dave died of natural causes. His sudden and untimely death came as a shock to those who loved him. Dave was born in Fairborn, Ohio on August 14, 1956 to Dick and Georgia Lynn Herbert Wallis Pickerell. The second of four children (Terri, Tami, and Rick), Dave was a standout football player and scholar in high school. He earned Prep All-American honors in football before being accepted to play football for the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Dave would like the record to show that he was also accepted to Harvard University, which he ultimately turned down, but kept his acceptance letter. After completing his undergraduate degree, Dave pursued his military career at various places across America. While stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Dave met the love of his life, Jeannette Harvie. Dave and Jeannette were married December 17, 1983 in Fort Knox. They had two daugthers, Anna and Rebekah, while living there. Dave proceeded to earn his Master's Degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville before returning to West Point to teach Chemistry. After having their third, and favorite child (at least I like to think I was) and oldest son, Micah, in West Point, Dave left the military to pursue a career in chemical engineering. This brought the family back to Louisville, Kentucky where they had their fourth and final child, Joshua. Upon moving back to Kentucky, Dave began his career in the alcoholic beverage industry, for which he was best known. While consulting for Maker's Mark on behalf of an engineering consulting firm, he was hired on full time to be the master distiller. During his time as master distiller at Maker's Mark, Dave made an indelible mark on the whiskey industry and established himself as one of the leading experts in the industry. After 14 years with Maker's Mark, Dave decided it was time to pursue some of his more eccentric ideas on his own with like-minded business partners. Dave founded his consulting company, Oak View Spirits, with the aim of innovating the alcoholic beverage industry. During his 10 years of work with Oak View Spirits, he had many noteworthy and successful projects including Whistlepig and Hillrock Estate. Dave will be remembered for his passion for his craft and his love for teaching and helping others. He was loved by everyone who had the great fortune of meeting him. Dave's personality was larger than life and he always managed to find himself as the center of attention. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Pickerell, his children, Anna Birney (Geoff), Rebekah Smith (Mark), Micah and Joshua Pickerell; his grandsons, Kayden Smith, Drew Birney, Gideon Smith, and Salem James Smith; along with his siblings, Terri, Tami, and Rick Pickerell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Georgia Lynn Herbert Wallis Pickerell. A public celebration of Dave's life will be held 7 p.m. Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. In lieu of sending flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to enjoy a glass of their favorite whiskey and remember Dave. Arrangements have been entrusted to McFarland-Troutman-Proffitt Funeral Home, Mt. Washington.
Condolences