Denis Joseph Hickey

HICKEY, Denis Joseph. Born in Stratford, Ontario on February 13, 1933. Our dear Denis slipped away peacefully after a long illness on Feb. 10th 2023, just 3 days shy of his 90th birthday. Denis is survived by wife Irene, who lovingly cared for him throughout his illness. He ended his days happy at home as was his wish. Also survived by daughter Elizabeth (Brett) Lovell and son Peter (Susan) and grandsons Chris and Bryan. He was predeceased by his first wife of 50 years, Kathryn, in 2005.

The very best of men, we couldn’t have had a better time with a dad who was a lot like a kid himself. A talented man who never lost that spark of curiosity, but was always there with gentle guidance when needed.

Drawing and painting from an early age he went on to graduate from Ontario College of Art, where he met first wife Kay. Following art school, he worked for some years at American Standard and then in 1968 took the family on the big adventure, moving us to Vancouver – see Canada in your Austin 1100.

Living in beautiful North Vancouver, he could ski whenever he wanted. Sure, there was some work too at Simpson’s Contract Division, then Woodwards Commercial Division, then Beyer Brown, where he worked on hotels and restaurants in Whistler, Vancouver and the Yukon, where he met plenty of characters. Furniture design was a favourite part of his work.

Denis had a lot of interests, skiing, biking, photography and “The Automobile” to name a few. Dad had over 50 cars in his driving life, some where quite exotic like the 1955 MGTC and others very quirky like the Morris Minor that had to have the rad replenished every time we went out. Skiing was another passion from an early age. Denis had a ski pass up Mount Seymour for so many years that in the end they gave him a free season’s pass before he hung up the old hickories.

A man to look up to in so many ways we will miss his optimistic spirit, his fabulous eye for detail, his laugh and his love. Smooth runs ahead, Dad.

The funeral will be held on March 1 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2725 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Lions Gate Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Hickey family.