A.J. "Bud" Hickey

A longtime resident of Billings, Bud Hickey was willing to step forward when he saw a need in this community. He was instrumental in establishing the Ronald McDonald House by coordinating the construction and volunteer help as well as serving on its board of directors. It was his vision to create the Horizon Home's "Montana Miracle," a house for sexually abused girls, which was built in a single day. Bud also helped plan and build the Guadalupe Gardens, a low income family dwelling project. He made a difference in countless people's lives.
A.J. "Bud" Hickey, age 83, died peacefully in his sleep, Nov. 23, 2007, at home in Fountain Hills, Ariz. He was born June 22, 1924, in Howard Beach, N.Y. Both he and his older sister, Josephine, were raised in a strong Irish Catholic home by his mother, Adelina, and his father, John, a New York City police detective. At age 17, Bud enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II. While stationed in Seattle, he met and married Janet Marie Madden, Aug. 3, 1944. After the war, they returned to her home of Terry, where they lived with their two children, Mike and Kathy, until moving to Billings in 1956.
Bud was a familiar figure to many during his 20 years in the appliance department at Sears Roebuck. He enjoyed his career in sales because of the interaction with the community. Bud also loved his church and was active throughout the years at Holy Rosary, St. Pius X and St. Patrick's as a parishioner, serving on the parish council, and as a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. In 1995, he was awarded a Special Commendation from the Knights.
Over the years, Bud received countless awards, including the Exchange Club's "Book of Golden Deeds" (1967); Certificates of Appreciation (1983, 1984) from The Boy's Clubs of Billings and Yellowstone County; an Outstanding Service Award from the Community Parks, Recreation and Public Lands (1988); the Elk's Distinguished Citizenship Award (1989); and in 1995, he was named a "Paul Harris Fellow" by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Bud was always an avid sports fan, from coaching Little League baseball, through the years in the bleachers cheering the Billings Central Rams, to his love of golf. He and Janet became "snowbirds" so he was able to play year-round. They spent their winters in the Scottsdale area, returning to Billings with the warm weather. Perhaps one of his greatest disappointments was when health complications prevented them from making the trek and they had to give up their home in Billings. Preceded in death by Janet last October, Bud spent this past year assisted by wonderful caregivers aptly named, "Visiting Angels," and the loving support of his family, especially his son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Judi, who live in Scottsdale. He spent Thanksgiving Day at their home, smiling and enjoying family and friends. To the end, he had a special twinkle in his eye and shared his humor with all.
He is survived by his sister, Josephine, New York City; his son, Mike Hickey (Judi), Scottsdale; his daughter, Kathy Stephany (Steve), Gurnee, Ill.; his grandchildren, Troy Hickey, Bellevue, Wash., Tricia Morehouse (Nolan), Highland Ranch, Colo., Lynley Stephany and Shannon Stephany, Chicago, Matthew Stephany, Milwaukee; his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Andrew Hickey, Bellevue, and Ellie and James Morehouse, Highland Ranch.
Funeral services will take place at St. Pius X Church on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. Committal will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors.
The family requests that any memorial donations to be made The Ronald McDonald House, 1144 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.