Robert O. Hickman, MD

1926 ~ 2019

Robert Othello Hickman passed peacefully from natural causes on April 4, 2019. He was born in Monticello, Utah on September 27, 1926, the youngest of five children of Othello and Mary Helen Bunker Hickman. He was reared and educated in Logan, Utah, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1945 to 1946, followed by an LDS Mission to France from 1947 to 1949. He married Lucy Jean Whitesides on August 18, 1950. After receiving a degree in anatomy from the University of Utah, Bob headed east to obtain his medical degree from the University of Maryland. He completed an internship with the University of Utah in pediatrics at County General Hospital in Salt Lake City, followed by residency training in pediatrics at the University of Washington from 1958 to 1960. During his residency he joined with Dr. Belding Scribner and, under his tutelage, was involved in placing the first child in the world on both long-term hemodialysis and home hemodialysis.

Bob is most well known in the medical world for the part he played in developing the Hickman catheter, used widely with cancer patients to deliver intravenous nutrition and chemotherapy as well as for blood draws. It was a godsend to the patients and the nurses caring for them. His efforts were recognized by UW Medicine in 2011 when he received its Legacy Inventor Award. But, he will be most remembered by his colleagues for being kind and compassionate, and by his patients for his singular devotion to them, especially the children. For his contributions to medicine and his dedication to both his colleagues and patients, he was selected to receive the University of Maryland Medical Alumni Association's Honor Award and Gold Key in 2007, awarded for outstanding medical accomplishment and distinguished service to mankind.

Along with his professional pursuits, Bob will be remembered for his faithful service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his tenure as Bishop, Stake President, Patriarch, Temple Sealer, and Mission President in both Haiti and North Carolina, he led by example, more than words, and did all he could to support and encourage those within his influence in their spiritual journey.

When he wasn't working, or serving in church, Bob loved to ski. He instilled that love in his children at an early age and used his passion for the sport as a way to bring his children and grandchildren together for fun and memorable family gatherings year after year. He doted on his grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Bob is the last surviving member of his family. He is preceded in death by his beloved Lucy, daughter Mary and grandchildren, Madalyn and Tyler. He is survived by five children and their spouses, Jon and Linda Hickman, Jeanne and Rodger Pickett, William and Mary Ellen Hickman, Matthew, Michael and Debbie Hickman, seventeen grandchildren, and forty great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mountlake Terrace LDS Chapel, 22015 48th Avenue West, Mountlake Terrace. Friends are invited to visit with the family at a reception following the service. A memorial service for family and friends in Utah will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., 14 Bonanza Road, Farmington, UT 84025.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert O. Hickman Endowed Chair in Pediatric Nephrology, c/o Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 14 to Apr. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hickman

Sponsored by The Family.

29 Entries

Kathryn Doran

April 8, 2025

Remembering this great man on the sixth anniversary of his passing.

Kenny Martin

April 9, 2024

What a great doctor he was when I was at Seattle children´s hospital from 86 until I left to serve my mission. He always had a cup of ice and made me feel so safe when I started Hemo dialysis in November of 86 until my transplant June of 87 by Dr Tapper. When I was waiting for results of the match which had issues. Dr Hickman told them to check again. He gave me a blessing that I will be able to grow up, serve a mission and have a family. I had the same issues as the donor kidney. I remember how he shared his love of the gospel. He visited me when I was in the hospital and he brought his Stake Pr didn´t. I know live in SLC and have doctors at the UofU. How cool it is to have doctors at uofu and knowing this great man who extended my life did his schooling. Live and miss you Doctor Hickman.

April 8, 2024

Hard to believe it´s been five years already. You were such a wonderful man my life was blessed and enriched, just knowing you

Kathleen Brave

March 7, 2024

Wow I just found this. Doctor Hickman was the one who saved my son's life in 1970. My son had Nephritis and wasn't expected to live. Doctor Hickman wanted to try a medication on him that had never been used before for Nephritis. I believe it was called Imuran. It was supposed help stop the scaring of my son's kidneys. It wasn't even available with a prescription, I had to go to UW to pick it up. He was on it for 6 months and it worked! My son lost 3/4 of his kidneys but lived just fine on the 1/4 he had left. I loved this man for what he did for my 9 year old son. God bless him and his family.

Robert Wagner MD

October 1, 2023

Remembering Bob , who was instrumental to my training as a Pediatrician and as a citizen. The afterlife is here.

kathryn rose doran

April 4, 2022

Remembering a great man on the 3 year anniversary of his passing.

Kae

September 27, 2021

Happy 95th Birthday Dr. Hickman.
Still miss you, always loving you.

April 1, 2020

In Memory Of Robert Othello Hickman
September 27 1926-April 4 2019

Remembering a wonderful man on the one year anniversary of his passing.

Kenny Martin

November 17, 2019

I met Doctor Hickman in 1986 as a a Nephrology patient at Children's in Seattle. I started hemo dialysis at age 11 and learned how to do my own needle sticks. I did home dialysis for a couple months when I got a call from my doctors. Luckily I stayed home cause I had a hard treatment the night before. I stayed home the last day of 4th grade. Dr Hickman asked if I wanted a new kidney and I was so exited. There was a time when I was at Seattle's children's. Dr Hickman and his Stake President came to administer to me. He gave me a change bank with was had 3 slots for tithing, mission and fun. He put 20 bucks in it. I always remember him with a cup of ice when they did their rounds. He gave me a lab coat and a name tag with Dr Martin on it. Dr Hickman told me he would like to see a black name tag with Elder Martin. I served in the California Sacramento Mission 95 to 97. I had a nephrologist at uc Davis who Dr Hickman recommended cause the rest of the doctors wanted me to stay in Seattle or Salt Lake City. That Nephrology was one of the best, Dr Steven Katsnelson. Be cause of great doctors like Dr Hickman and Priesthood blessings I served a mission and I'm married to my best friend. I had a 2nd Transplant in 08. He has always been on my mind and in my heart. This picture is of Dr Hickman, my nurses and I in 86 after my treatment. Dr Hickman, God to be with you till we meet again. Also because of him and all of the other wonderful doctors that I have had I also have 7 beautiful children, and 5 beautiful grand babies the 5th one is due the in January.

Linda McNeill

October 31, 2019

Dr. Hickman implanted my catheter when I had my bone marrow transplant in June 1980 at Fre Hutch. I never saw the face behind the mask but remember him having a very comforting demeanor and voice. He helped save my life and certainly made my life easier while taking chemo and having multiple blood draws every month for a year after the transplant. Rest in Peace!

Marc Chapuis

September 7, 2019

I was a missionary who served under Robert Hickman in Haiti in 1991 when he was mission president there. I remember the first time I met him and felt warmth, positivity, and energy that surrounded him. He saw the good in people and had great trust, love and respect for his missionaries. He influenced me to always do my best. May God bless him and his wonderful family. He will surely be missed.

June 7, 2019

I was a pediatrics resident when I chose to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Hickman grabbed me in the hallway to give me a hug, then came to my baptism and took part in my confirmation. He was a wonderful role model as a physician and church member. I will always be grateful for the love he showed me.
Julene Parsons, M.D.
Blackfoot, Idaho

marla west

May 24, 2019

Dr Hickman was my pediatrician all through the 1960's and later sealed my husband and I in the newly-opened Seattle Temple. Thank you, Dr Hickman, for a stellar life and example. You will never be forgotten.

Lynne Matthes

May 16, 2019

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Hickman's passing as he was a mentor, colleague and friend while serving as the Director of Vascular Access at Seattle Children's. I particularly enjoyed our talks on everything from inventing and mentoring to family and raising children. He was a special man and although his footprint in the world is large, it was the small moments in his presence that were most meaningful.

Tyler Bell

May 10, 2019

I live in Utah and had cancer as a teenager. My oncologist had mentioned that my "Hickman Catheter" was named after a doctor in Seattle. 2 years later I served an LDS mission in Seattle, WA, and my first area was none other than Mountlake Terrace. I was suprised to find the area Patriarch had the same name as the Doctor that invented the catheter I had donned a few years earlier. Before I left the area, I reached out to him and asked if I could meet him. He welcomed me into his home and shared fun stories and of celebrities who have had his catheter as well as myself. Our meeting was brief, but meaningful to me. How fun it is to read his obituary and these comments and find out what an amazing man he is. Not that I doubted. Also, fun to know he grew up in my now hometown of Logan, UT. His family will be in my prayers tonight, as I just barely learned of his passing.

May 10, 2019

Dr Hickman was the sweetest, kindest, dearest man I have ever met in my life. I am absolutely heartbroken to learn of his passing.

Carol Speaker

May 10, 2019

Bishop Hickman paid for my mission to Japan in 1971. He was the one that encouraged me to serve. I had not been allowed to attend church as a teenager and was a convert at age 12. I am the only member of the church in my family. My mission totally changed my life for the better. I will be eternally grateful for the part he played in my eternal life. Carol Evans now Speaker

carol henrichsen

April 30, 2019

Bob was my guardian angel and things will never be the same. He had a smile and glint in his eye, always caring for others. He was amazing with children and the world has lost an amazing person. Peace to his family and all of us who love him. He arranged my adoption to my family and was taking care of me before I was born.

Peggy Engstrom

April 27, 2019

I met Dr.Hickman at Seattle Children's Hospital during my tenure on the IVTeam. God bless the doctor, for the children were saved from pain and fear of pain thanks to his great invention "The Hickman". The line was easy to use and simple to repair. Dr. Hickman took the time to talk to nurses. I am grateful for the time I had working with this great man.

April 26, 2019

I worked for Dr. Hickman many years ago at the Pediatric Clinic in Ballard. It didn't take long to understand why he was such a loved and respected physician. He had a very personal and genuine connection with his families. I will always remember him with admiration and affection. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Jody Mathison

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

William Couser

Sent Flowers

William Couser

April 26, 2019

I met Bob Hickman in 1982 when I came to Seattle as Head of the Division of Nephrology at the University of Washington and worked with him for many years after that. There was no pediatric nephrology program (except Bob) at Childrens Hospital at the time, so Bob's fellows became part of our adult program, and we worked with him to train more pediatric nephrologists. I most remember him for his tireless willingness to come to the hospital at any time day or night to teach our fellows how to insert and care for Hickman catheters. Those interactions, often in the wee hours of the morning, exposed our trainees to the remarkable qualities of honesty, integrity and self-sacrifice that made Bob the giant he was. Though short in stature, he stood taller than any of us as a person, the ultimate "caring physician". His invention of the Hickman catheter improved the care of renal patients worldwide, but the personal qualities he gave so freely of provide a legacy that will enhance the medical community in Seattle for generations to come.

Roz Fox

April 25, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. I worked for Dr. Hickman in his pediatric office with Drs. Johnson and Hunt for almost ten years. Some of the best work experiences in my life.

Picture from my wedding reception August 1982. Dr. Hickman could have made a quick visit to my reception but cheerfully lingered and visited.

Shauna Worthen Anderson

April 21, 2019

Dena (Haynes) Turley

April 17, 2019

"Dr.-Bishop" Hickman (as we called him when we were young) is among the greatest souls I have ever known. He has long been a hero of mine, and an example of what determination can do, not only in one's own life, but for so many others, as well.

My love goes out to all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. But, truthfully, one of my first thoughts when I heard this was, "Now he gets to be with Mary, after 40 years of waiting!" That was so hard for him, and I've often reflected on it over the years, knowing how close they were.

Rest in peace, dear brother, and enjoy the many relationships that you are privileged to renew, as they, in turn, are privileged to have you back.

April 17, 2019

Dr. Hickman's passing is a great loss of a true hero. I had the opportunity to meet him at Swedish Hospital where I administered anesthesia to some of his patients. He went on to guide me to develop, the DuPen catheter for long term epidural infusions. I don't think it could have been done without his guidance. God bless you and yours.

Stuart L. Du Pen, MD