David Frank Blackwolf (formerly Muschinski), 52, of Felton, CA, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, several days after experiencing a sudden cardiac event in his home, with family and friends at his side. We are all saddened by this great and unexpected loss.

David is survived by his two children, Ayla Blackwolf, 22, and Odin Blackwolf, 15, as well as their mother Arrin Blackwolf, recent long time partner Krista Scarborough, his mother Vivienne Rayner, brother John Muschinski, sisters Kate Winckler (John) and Liz (Parry) Muschinski, nieces Haley and Anna Winckler, stepfamily Claire, Alex and Adrian, cousins and many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul.

David was born January 14, 1974 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Mother of Good Counsel elementary school and Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, moved to the Lake Country and graduated from Arrowhead High School in Hartland, WI. He moved from Wisconsin to California in 1994, living first in the San Francisco Bay Area where he started his education and family in Marin County, and for many years thereafter in the Santa Cruz mountains. In 2002, he married Arrin in Stinson Beach. On their honeymoon in Alaska, while camping under the midnight sun, they were watching a black bear forage not far from their campsite when the music of wolves howling filled the air. In that moment they chose the family name Blackwolf. They went on to have two children and were married for 14 years.

David had many talents and was a gifted artist, with his own drawings, paintings and sculptures in his home. He formally studied Marine Biology and Sustainable Agriculture at the California State University Monterey Bay. To say that he had a green thumb would be an understatement. He had a homestead with chickens, goats, cats, dogs and fish and a glorious garden at varying times. David had his own small business and worked for most of his life as an artisan baker by trade, like his grandfather and great grandfather, and later doing freelance home and commercial restoration projects. His craftsmanship over the years included art, carpentry and renovation. He brought science and artistry to everything he did, from culinary arts to farming to building, and his endeavors were many.

David had a boundless admiration for nature and always strived to live in harmony with it. Alaska was his north star, where he felt the most freedom, always intending to return each time he left. The redwoods he fell in love with became the nest in which his family grew, cradled by the mountains and the sea he so adored. As his children grew older, he shared with them the joys of things like swimming in the cold clear rivers of Kings Canyon and Calaveras, kayaking in the Elkhorn Slough, or watching the moon glitter across a frozen lake on New Year’s Eve. His heart never truly left the Wisconsin Lake Country of his birth. Regarding it as one of the most beautiful places on earth, he spoke of it often and with such fondness, one might think he was describing a fairytale. He had a heart of wonder and loved old lore and classic stories. A successful hunter and fisherman, both in Wisconsin with his brother John and in California with his friends, he always had a full freezer with enough to share, often hosting fish fries or barbecues after a bountiful trip.

Dave was a big football fan, having played at Marquette High, his number one football team was the Green Bay Packers (Go Pack!), and he attended a few games at Lambeau Field. David wasn’t just a wonderful baker but a real epicurean and expert cook, always celebrating with the best of food and drink. He loved music, concerts, and festivals, and was always up for a good time.

David will be remembered for many things, but most memorably for his gusto for life. At 6’5”, he left an impression, was charismatic and well known around town. Dave was our favorite tour guide, making every visit to the coast an adventure, sharing his vast knowledge of Northern California and his many interests. He always made everyone laugh, was truly hilarious and did his best to make everything fun.

Our David impacted those of us closest to him, who feel that he left a legacy of love. He was enthusiastic about life and experiencing all it had to offer. He inspired people with his creativity and wild spirit. His children were his treasures. Dave shared the world with his daughter Ayla, and left her with the same inquisitive nature and love for life. Stars, birds, tidepools and toadstools, all were to be gazed at with wonder. Each concert, book, or film meant to be savored and analyzed. Dave imparted his love of football to his son, Odin, along with a penchant for playful mischief, an adoration for Star Wars, and the kind of tenacity that could propel them both up 18 switchbacks on a hot day with full backpacks. David’s passionate zest for life and curiosity will be remembered, and absence will be deeply felt by all who loved him.

For all of those wishing to honor David, you are invited to attend a celebration of life, taking place later this spring. Details will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been created for David’s children. Contributions are needed and welcome and can be made at: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/support-for-the-blackwolf-family