Ivan Wayne Pinkney was born to Doris Marie Major and Oliver Jackson Pinkney (aka 'Boots'), on June 1, 1949, in Bakersfield, CA. in 1962, the family moved to Sacramento, where Ivan and his siblings Sharon and Debra, continued their junior high and high school education. In 1981, Ivan married Andretta Clark, becoming a Stepfather to Chris, and welcomed their twins, Alena and Aleta Pinkney. In 1983, their welcomed their son Jaudohn.

Ivan loved the outdoors, and spent much time swimming and being mischievous as a kid,  and spending time with his family and friends as an adult, especially hanging out in the 'big park' (McClatchy Park). He joined the Muslim faith as an adult, and enjoyed going to the Mosque and reading his Koran.

He had a very giving heart, and was always asking family if they needed anything, and will be greatly missed.

Ivan was preceded in death by his daughter Marissa, his older sister Debra, his father Oliver, and his mother Doris. He will be is survived by his children Chris Slade, Alena, Aleta, and Jaudohn Pinkney; his sister Sharon Pinkney, grandchildren Lyric Kelly, Keyani Kelly, Jada Pinkney, Anaya Massey, Jaliyah Williams; nieces and nephew Sabrina McAfee, Devaughn Bradley, Ericka Bradley, Sonja Thomas, a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews and lifelong friends, as well as his longtime mate Hasani Banks.