BOMBER MEMORIAL

GARY HICKEY ~ Class of 1972
1954 - 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.

Gary was born in Richland in 1954. 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 ('69) (Kerry), Sheryl ('70) (Les), Suzanne (Jim), and Shelley; his first wife and friend, Michelle McConnell, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceeded in death by his adored wife Diana, mother Clarice, brother Marty ('77) 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.

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