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John Hickey Obituary
He graduated from Wilson High School in 1969, where he first crossed paths with Patti (Maitland). They were reintroduced years later and got married in 1980. He was a lifelong Washington State Cougar fan who frequently watched or attended games with college friends. He graduated from WSU in 1973, with a BS in Police Science and Administration. John never missed a Cougar game and watched them to the end, even if the game was not going their way! Not only was he a sports fan, but a coach of nearly all his children's teams whether it be baseball, basketball, soccer, as well as an active participant in other non-sport endeavors. The nature of the activity didn't matter, he was there to learn it and lead it for everyone.
John began a career at the University of Puget Sound as Director of Safety and Security in 1974. John obtained his Masters of Business Administration in 1983 at UPS. John had many roles at UPS over the years and retired after 47 years of service in 2021 as Associate Vice President for Business Services and Executive Director of Community Engagement.
John had an authentic interest in getting to know and care about people he encountered in life. His ability to truly listen to what each person was sharing made his many relationships with family, friends, coworkers and students, and even strangers so uniquely special. He wanted to take care of and accommodate everyone and could really bring a crowd, small or large, together.
John passed away on November 4, 2025 after a brief illness. His love of family and friends and dedication to kindness, growth, and excellence will certainly not be forgotten. He is survived by his wife Patricia Hickey; sisters Sharon Eivinsen, Susan Gunsalus; children Jason Cody Bennett, John Caelin Hickey, Jessica Chantal Hickey-Meyer; and grandchildren Leilani, Mila, Zachary, and Marguerite.
A Celebration of his life will be held December 6th, at University of Puget Sound, Kilworth Chapel 3410 N. 18th St, Tacoma, at 1 p.m. Immediately following the service there will be a reception in the Rotunda, Wheelock Student Center, 3209 N. 15th St. Because of his love of animals, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County. Also see the obituary at www.havenrest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hickey
Sponsored by Haven of Rest Funeral Home, Cemetery, Crematory - Gig Harbor.
Jim Bellamy
January 1, 2026
From the time we first met as sophomores at Wilson High I considered John a good friend. Our paths crossed from time to time over the years when he was at UPS. Always cheerful, always kind, a good man. Anyone who knew John will miss the joy of his acquaintance.
James K. Adams
December 16, 2025
John and I were best of friends at Mason Jr. High where we walked to school to school everyday for two years and played basketball and football together (we also played park league football together). We remained friends throughout Wilson High School and our college years. It was a friendship I valued and haver never forgotten
Charles Valentine
December 13, 2025
My friend. Loved him like a brother! Sorry we drifted apart.
Greg Witt
December 3, 2025
Our paths first crossed at Mason Jr. High in 1973. From that day forward I never considered John as anything but a true friend. He'll be remembered by me as a terrific athlete & teammate, as one possessed of wickedly great humor, and having lived his life in a loving circle of family, friends, and colleagues.
R.I.P. John. I only wish our world had more like you.
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Annamarie Ausnes
December 2, 2025
I worked with John Hickey for 22 years at the University Of Puget Sound. He advised the Associated Students and helped me steer these young people in the right direction. He was always friendly and had a genuine smile and hello to everyone who he came in contact with. I went to school at Wilson Highschool with John and knew him thru my friend's. He was a very nice guy there too. He will be remembered fondly by both my husband and I John Ausnes who played football at Wilson together.
Bill Baarsma
November 30, 2025
I knew John as a colleague and friend during my time as a faculty member at the University of Puget Sound. I must say he was one heck of a competitor during our noontime faculty-staff basketball sessions at the Fieldhouse. Later when I became mayor of Tacoma, John served as the university liaison with the city. He was the guy I always called when there were city-university issues. John was truly competent and always professional in his dealings with me and was one of the nicest and most decent individuals I have ever known. I must say, he really helped the University and President Thomas regain a positive relationship with the city after some rough patches involving the sale of the law school. Regretfully, I will be out of the area during his memorial service at Puget Sound but I will be thinking of him and our longstanding friendship. My sincere condolences to the family. May God bless.
Barbara Bussey
November 25, 2025
Don´t know if you remember me. Barbara Higgins Bussey. I´ve thought of you often. So sorry for the loss of your brother. God bless you and your family.
Kathy Oliver
November 25, 2025
Growing up in Tacoma in the 50´s & $60´s it really was like a small town and our lives crossed paths during high school years. A fun enigmatic guy, he drew us all in with his kindness and warmth. May God comfort you all during this time of loss.
Mary Hause
November 23, 2025
Always a positive influence, John was a gem. I met him in junior high school. My heart goes out to Pattie, John's children, and extended family and friends. His reach was wide.
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