Rev. Robert W. Stickney

Oh, what a beautiful, wonderful man. "Z," Dad, Gramps, Friend, we miss you so very much.

On Feb. 9, 2003, Bob journeyed to experience what he has been preaching and living his whole life. We all mourn the loss of his company. We all celebrate his new life in the Kingdom.

Robert Washburn Stickney was born on March 21, 1933, to George and Doris Stickney in Fergus Falls, Minn. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1951, and earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Occidental College in 1955. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958, he played the tuba in the 21st Army band. On Sept. 7, 1958, he married his lifelong partner and true love, Janet Lenke. They moved to Chicago as Bob started work on his Master of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary. He ministered with warmth, love, insight and care to United Church of Christ congregations in Eastlake, Colo.; Western Springs. Ill.; Peru, Ill.; South Holland, Ill.; Columbus and Absarokee. He also brought healing to many in his pursuit of a Doctor of Ministry and as a certified substance abuse counselor. His was a life lived with unending, unselfish, unconditional love for anyone in need.

Over the last several years of his life, Bob was rewarded with many wonderful venues to pursue and share his lifelong passion for music. He directed the Stillwater Community Choir during the time he served the Stillwater parish in Columbus and Absarokee, and after retiring from the ministry in 1998, he jumped at the opportunity to host a weekly radio program, "From The Heart - Sunday Classics," on KEMC. He also shared his beautiful tenor voice with the Billings Symphony Chorale, and was involved with the Billings Symphony Board of Directors. During his high school years, he was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Billings. Bob's life came full circle, and 40 years later, he again became involved with "First Church" by singing in the church choir and getting involved in various church activities. Anyone who knew Bob also knew he loved children, and was a voracious reader. He combined these two passions by becoming a volunteer at Washington School reading to children. He also mentored a young man in confirmation and became a special friend to many youth in the church.

Bob loved to travel - he and Jan toured through Europe with some of their best friends, Art and Jan Grotenhuis. They also vacationed in Hawaii and took numerous trips around the U.S. After retiring he embarked upon a six week expedition, "Bob's Excellent Adventure" visiting family and friends all across the Midwest and East coast.

Far and away, Bob's greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 44-1/2 years, Jan of Billings; children, Marti and Michael Miller, grandsons Quinn and Brendan of Billings; Jon and Jennifer Stickney, granddaughter Emma of Sammamish, Wash.; Jordan and Julie Stickney, grandchildren Sara and Brenner of Bettendorf, Iowa; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed and Jess Stickney of Billings and George and Judy Stickney of Mesa, Ariz. His extended family reaches coast to coast and includes cousins, nieces and nephews and their wonderful families. Bob's gracious and loving spirit also created many special and dear friendships throughout the years, which he treasured deeply.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kay Huber.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 N. 27th. Family inurnment will be in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly urges memorials to be made to First Congregational Church, KEMC, 100 N. 30th, Billings, MT 59101, or Billings Symphony and Chorale, 201 North Broadway, Billings, MT 59101.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Loving, Hero, Remarkable, Gracious, Concerned, Generous, Peaceful. These words, among many, many others reflect the way you impacted our lives, and how we will remember you until we see you again. "Z," Dad, Gramps, Friend, this is your Ultimate Excellent Adventure! We love you and know you will be with us always.