Looked for this info elsewhere but wasn't able to find it. How often and at what time is the server reset? Thanks!

Server resets usually at least once a day at a random time, typically sometime around 5:00-6:00 PM EST depending on various factors.

a related question: If a PC dies, leaving his pack behind, but respawns in the mausoleum, and was unable to retrieve the pack before a reset occurred, what happens to the pack? is it lost?

Yes.

Ah ok well I'll never have any problem finding a quest then since I don't play every day..thanks for the info!