Mr. David Pickersgill (February 5, 1940 – July 9, 2026)

Big Brothers Big Sisters family learned of the passing of David Pickersgill—a remarkable leader, mentor, philanthropist, volunteer, and advocate whose unwavering commitment to children and youth has left an indelible mark on our organization, our communities, and the mentoring movement across Canada.

For decades, David Pickersgill helped shape the heart of Big Brothers Big Sisters—from mentoring young people and leading our organization through times of change, to strengthening the mentoring movement across Canada. Few volunteers have left a legacy as enduring or as deeply felt. He gave generously of his time, leadership, and philanthropy to ensure young people had the support, encouragement, and opportunities they needed to thrive. He believed every young person deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential, and he dedicated his life to making that belief a reality. His leadership was defined not only by the positions he held, but by his humility, generosity, and steadfast belief that every child deserves someone in their corner.

David’s relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area spanned decades and touched nearly every aspect of our organization. He served as Board Chair, later as Past President, and continued to provide thoughtful guidance as a member of the Board of Directors. During a pivotal time for the organization, David also stepped forward to serve as Interim Executive Director, providing steady leadership and unwavering support when it was needed most. He was also a generous donor whose philanthropy helped strengthen our mission and expand opportunities for young people across our community. In recognition of his extraordinary volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and lasting impact, David was honoured with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area Founders Award, our organization’s highest recognition for exceptional service.

His influence extended well beyond Calgary. David served for twelve years on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, including as Alberta Regional Director and ultimately as National Board Chair. Through his leadership, he helped strengthen mentoring across the country while championing collaboration and innovation to ensure more young people could benefit from the life-changing power of mentorship.

While David’s leadership in governance was extraordinary, his greatest impact was often one relationship at a time. He volunteered as a Big Brother in a couples match before serving as an In-School Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area for nine years, building meaningful mentoring relationships with seven young people. He gave each of them the gift of consistency, encouragement, and someone who believed in them. David understood that mentorship changes lives because he experienced its impact firsthand.

David was also one of Calgary’s most respected civic leaders. Throughout his career and volunteer service, he dedicated himself to strengthening children, families, education, and communities. He co-chaired the Alberta Mentoring Partnership, helping expand mentoring opportunities across the province, and was instrumental in establishing Governors for Children, bringing together community leaders committed to improving the lives of children and families.

His leadership touched many of Calgary’s most impactful community organizations. He served as Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada; Vice-President and Chair of the Grants Committee for the Safe

Haven Foundation; Honorary Ambassador and member of the Fund Development Committee for EducationMatters; Director of the Children’s Legal & Educational Resource Centre (CLERC), McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association, and The Alexandra Community Health Centre (The Alex); Treasurer of the Governors for Children Advocacy Society; Co-Chair of the Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority; Vice-Chair of the Calgary Board of Education; and Vice-Chair of EducationMatters. Earlier in his volunteer journey, he also supported families as a volunteer childcare worker with Discovery House, an in-home support worker with Hull Child and Family Services, and as a YMCA youth advisor, camp counsellor, and canoe trip leader.

Whether serving in a boardroom, a classroom, a shelter, a community agency, or around a campfire, David led with humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Just as importantly, David invested in people. He generously shared his wisdom, integrity, and quiet leadership with fellow volunteers, board members, staff, and community leaders, inspiring others to serve with the same compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment that defined his own life. His influence will continue to be felt through the many individuals and organizations he helped strengthen.

His extraordinary service was recognized throughout his lifetime, including being named Calgary Citizen of the Year and receiving the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Calgary. While these honours reflected the respect he earned from his peers, David’s greatest legacy lives on in the countless young people, families, volunteers, and communities whose lives have been changed because of his vision, generosity, and leadership.

We are profoundly grateful for David’s lifetime of service—as a mentor, volunteer, board leader, Interim Executive Director, philanthropist, donor, and champion for young people. His legacy will continue to live on through every mentoring relationship we create and every young person whose future is brighter because someone chose to stand beside them.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering love and support of his wife, Pamela, and their family, who stood beside him throughout his remarkable journey of service. On behalf of everyone at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, we extend our deepest condolences to Pamela, their family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by David’s kindness and leadership.

Thank you, David, for showing us what it means to lead with generosity, serve with humility, and believe in the potential of every young person. We will honour your legacy by continuing the work you so passionately championed.