Obituary of Robert Lawrence Hickey

After celebrating life, over the period of 81+ years, Robert Lawrence Hickey left this world with his wife, Ila Hickey, by his side at the Saint John Regional Hospital on July 11, 2023.

 

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Lorena (Gibson) Hickey; his sister, Laura Ann Reid; and brother, Malcolm J. Hickey. Bob is survived by his wife, Ila Hickey; his daughter, Louise Hickey (partner, Wanda Murphy) of Langley, BC; step-daughter, Nancy Green (Asaph Lantz); and granddaughters, Meredith and Gwendolyn Lantz, of Chester, NS; sister, Patricia E. Dickeson of Fredericton, NB; several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews; cousins, Ellen King (Steve Gardella) and Robert Carr (Louise); and brother-in-law, James Reid of Fredericton.

 

Bob was born and raised in Boiestown (Porter Cove), NB and graduated from Upper Miramichi Regional High School in 1959, the same year entered the Canadian Air Force. Bob retired in 1984, having attained the status of Captain after 25yrs of service, during which time, he enjoyed the passion of his life as an Air Traffic Controller. At one point in his career he was deemed the youngest Air Traffic Controller in the Military across Canada. Bob also had his Private Pilots License and enjoyed his time as the pilot for the UNB Paratroopers. Bob thoroughly enjoyed telling of his experiences during his career which took him to Germany and numerous locations across Canada before retiring from Camp Gagetown in 1984. He later served in the Reserves for additional periods of service. Upon his retirement Bob returned to ‘His River’ and designed and built a house on the banks of the Miramichi that he took great pride in. He enjoyed fishing and was licensed fishing guide.

 

Bob celebrated and lived life to the fullest until his recent hospitalization. He remained active in all aspects of his life until that time.

 

It was often asked if he was good at everything he did and it was a unanimous ‘Yes”!

 

Well Done Bob, you did it all and did it well! <3

 

Thanks to Father Doug McNeill, Father Aaron Knox and Msgr. Brian Henneberry for their visitation and prayers during his recent hospitalization.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the loving care of York Funeral Home’s Miramichi Valley Chapel. There will be a Celebration of Life and a spreading of ashes at a later date. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

 

 

High Flight

BY John Gillespie Magee Jr.

 

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings:

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-spilt clouds, ­– and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there

I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung,

My eager craft through footless halls of air….

 

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with ease and grace

Where never lark nor ever eagle flew –

And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out your hand, and touched the face of God