Remembering Richard "Dick" Pickup: A Legacy of Generosity and Vision

By: Amanda Huntsman

The Newport Beach community mourns the loss of Richard "Dick" Pickup, a beloved philanthropist, astute investor, and family patriarch. Dick passed away unexpectedly on April 25, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy.

Known for his relentless work ethic and sharp investment acumen, Dick was deeply engaged in his passions right up until his passing. On April 24, he spent the morning at his Newport Beach office finalizing a new charitable gift, trading stocks, and reviewing a potential deal. Later, he visited the Newport Beach Country Club, a landmark he and his family lovingly revitalized, where he suffered a stroke that led to his death.

Born in Whittier, California, and moving to Newport Beach in the 1960s, Dick raised his family in this vibrant community. He excelled as a stockbroker and private investor, focusing on small and mid-cap public companies. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time to enjoy his favorite pastime—golf.

Dick’s investment success fueled his passion for philanthropy, significantly impacting Orange County and beyond. His transformative gifts included a recent $50 million donation to Hoag Hospital, establishing the Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health, and a previous $15 million contribution creating the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. These contributions have revolutionized brain health care and treatment in the region, reflecting Dick’s commitment to giving back.

At the dedication of the Pickup Family Neurosciences Center in 2019, Dick shared his philanthropic philosophy: “For years, I heard my pastor, Dr. Huffman, say, "Don’t just give until it hurts; instead, give until it feels good.' It has taken me some time to get with this program. But now, in the last two decades, I have learned the reality of what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing to others. Let me assure you that this feels good to me. What we are now doing for others is the highest form of investment I have ever made and some of the best money I have ever spent. And I know that this will continue to bear rich dividends for others long after I am no longer here.”

Dick also mentored his son Todd and son-in-law Kevin Martin, co-founders of Eagle Four Partners, a Newport Beach-based private equity group specializing in hospitality, golf, lifestyle residential, and sports entertainment investments. Todd and Kevin through Eagle Four Partners acquired, renovated and developed notable properties like Pendry Newport Beach, VEA Newport Beach, and the Ritz-Carlton Residences Newport Beach. Dick leaves behind a loving family: his wife Donna, his children Devon (Kevin) and Todd (Natalie), their mother, Carole, and his grandchildren, Makena, Maddie, Ryan, Max, and Neil. He will be deeply missed by the Eagle Four team, his business partners, and countless friends.

In tribute to Richard H. Pickup's life and legacy, the family has established a memorial fund supporting Hoag’s Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health. To contribute, please visit www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org/richard-pickup-tribute.html. Contributions can also be mailed to the Hoag Hospital Foundation at 330 Placentia Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Please include "Richard H. Pickup" in the memo line to ensure gifts support the Center for Brain Health. Dick’s visionary generosity has left an indelible mark on the Newport Beach community and beyond, ensuring his legacy of giving continues for generations.

Dick Pickup was the ultimate great neighbor.