BOMBER MEMORIAL

GARY MICHAEL HICKEY ~ Class of 1972 Honorary
January 6, 1954 - November 27, 2012



With love and deep grief we say goodbye to our dear father, brother, friend and mentor, Gary Hickey, who journeyed gently to be with his Lord and beloved wife, Diana, on November 27, 2012 in Lincoln, CA at the age of 58.

Gary was born in Richland on January 6, 1954 to John "Jack" and Clarice Hickey. He attended school with the Class of 1972 at Richland's Columbia High School.

In 1986, he fell in love and married the love of his life, Diana. They would have celebrated their 26th anniversary on Valentine's Day.

Gary worked as the Installation Manager at several heating and air companies including Bonney, McDonald and Valley Heating and Air. What he loved most about being a manager was training the younger employees. He instructed them on all phases of installing heating and air units, but mostly enjoyed teaching sheet metal fabrication; a fading skill in which Gary was an expert.

But he taught his crews more than heating and air, he taught them how to work and how to be good husbands and fathers. He loved to teach by example, on and off the job-always picking the toughest tasks to perform. He cared personally about each worker and many looked up to him as a father figure. He was a surrogate Dad for many employees he has trained over the years.

He is survived by his children: Nina (Stell), Ryan (Brandy) and Kris; and five grandchildren: Jacob, Caden, Luke, Ashlynn and Karson. He also leaves behind his father and stepmother, Jack and Joyce; four sisters, Jackie Hickey Lynch ('69) (Kerry Lynch {'69}), Sheryl Hickey Smith ('70) (Les), Suzanne Hickey Davenport (Jim) and Shelley Hickey Tippit (Shayne); his first wife and friend, Michelle McConnell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Diana, who passed away at the age of 55 on November 13, 2012; his mother, Clarice Faith Baird Hickey, who died at the age of 63 on July 18, 1987 in Richland; his brother, Marty Hickey ('77 honorary) and his favorite uncle, Pat.

He was always there for his family and friends when we needed him; always stepping in and knowing what needed to be done. We will forever remember him for his strength of character and his selfless devotion to his family. We all saw these qualities magnified this past year as he worked so hard to save his wife from cancer.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, December 7, 2012, in Lincoln, CA.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on December 5, 2012.

Legacy.com Guest Book

Note:

His father, John "Jack" Peter Hickey, died at the age of 88 on November 29, 2016 in Roseville, CA.

Bomber Memorial put together by Maren Smyth ('63/'64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).