Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1941
DIED
2020
Colleen Hickman Obituary
She also lived in Anchorage, but ultimately returned to Gakona in 1974 to work on the Alaska pipeline. After completion of the pipeline she went on to work for the State of Alaska and the Borough of Land Management.
Colleen married Richard Hickman in 1978 in the Copper River Basin where they lived with their eight children. Richard was a state trooper, and they lived in Bethel and Wasilla, where Richard ultimately retired from the troopers. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling the United States and settled in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Colleen was an accomplished artist and spent her days painting, searching for treasures, exploring family genealogy and puttering in her garden. She enjoyed sharing her love of art with children and could often be found with her grandchildren, and great grandchildren creating art and having fun.
Colleen was preceded in death by her mother, Laura Yates; brother, James Joy; and sister, JoEllen Hill. She is survived by her brothers, Irvin "Skip" Joy (Georgianne), Robert Yates (Cheryl), Roy "Butch" Yates; and daughters, Tami Truett Jerue (Carl), Robin Truett; and sons, James Asp, Dan Hickman (Than), Kevin Hickman (Angie), Doug Hickman (Julie), Matthew Hickman (Hope) and Jeffrey Hickman. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bryana Angulo, Devin Huffman, Elizabeth Jerue, Christopher Jerue, Tucker Lappi, Michelle Dickson, Robin Dickson Olsen, Denise Olsen Eleshansky, Hai Nguyen, Shane Hickman, Daniel Hickman, Tawnya Hickman, Melissa Hickman, Joshua Hickman, Laura Hickman, Christopher Hickman, Richard Hickman and Matthew Hickman, as well as 28 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Colleen had a quick smile and easily made friends with those she met. She was one of those rare people who accepted without judgment and truly saw the best in people.
She is dearly missed by those who love her. The world was a better place with her in it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Hickman
Jayne Goebel,sontag
September 26, 2024
Still think of Colleen and I in Anc and some of the. Great talks and fun we had. Haven´t seen her for a long time before she passed but we communicated on the phone and she will always be in my heart.
Thinking of you all on this day and send blessings esp to Tammy,Jimmy and Robin.
Jayne Sontag
Dennis Jennings
September 26, 2022
Many good memories from school in Old Valdez. I always thought of her as one of the best people that i knew.
Cheryl & Bob Yates
September 27, 2021
We think of you all the time wishing we had one more day with you. Love and miss you so much
Georgann Joy
September 26, 2021
We have precious memories.
Sandy Lappi
October 6, 2020
Colleen was an all around wonderful person. She brought out the best in people! God Bless her and her family❤
Georgann Joy
October 4, 2020
Dear Dick, Tami, Robin, James and the rest of the family--You know our Colleen was someone special. Her warmth, laugh, smile, abundant creativity and inquisitive mind will live with us forever. Like Bob and Cheryl, she changed the course of our lives when she introduced us in 1981. We married a year later and had a wonderful son, Hunter, in 1986. He married Jamie Wilkerson last year. Over the years we remained close though not necessarily in proximity, but in heart. We are fortunate to have a number of her paintings. She could not have been a better sister or sister-in-law. We miss her.
Much love,
Skip and Georgann
Anchorage
Kim Nesbitt
October 3, 2020
Colleen and I met in the early 90s when she began working at FCMHC. I instantly fell in love with her contagious laugh and her warm and open personality. She was such an inspiration to me and took every opportunity she could to to teach and lead a young girl who was just a becoming an adult. When she left Fairbanks in that big motor home I’d thought I might die of heartbreak. She was such a mother figure when I was 5000 miles from my own mother. I was so happy she returned to Fairbanks. I’m so honored to have been a friend of Colleen’s. She made my life so much better. COVID-19 pandemic kept us apart these last months, but I know she loved me me as I did her. I will miss you Colleen. Thank you for giving your love so unconditionally.
To Colleen’s family, she never stopped talking about you. Her children, Richard, grandchildren, siblings and extended family...you were her greatest joy. I know you are heartbroken now. Please know that I pray for you and send my love.
Kim Nesbitt
October 3, 2020
jackie sunnyboy
October 2, 2020
She was truly a very creative and
Kind person.Hold on to all the beautiful memories shared with her.
Patricia Wightman
October 2, 2020
She was a wonderful friend and I loved her dearly. We were friends for a long time and made many memories together. Rest In Peace Colleen. My condolences to Richard, Tami, Robin and the rest of the family. I know she will be missed!
Cheryl Yates
October 2, 2020
Colleen will be missed by so so many that were lucky enough to have met her. She reached to anyone and accepted who they were and without judgment. She really did make this world a better place just by being in it. We will always be grateful to her...you see, I met Colleen 54 years ago. I was her children’s babysitter. At age 16, I met her brother, Bob, we fell in love, got married and had three beautiful children. She was very good about matching people up. We love you Sis and will always have you in our hearts. RIP lovely lady XOXO
Dennis Jennings
October 2, 2020
Colleen and I were Schoolmates in Valdez. She always made my, and everybody else's day better. i will miss her.
Tom Popp
October 2, 2020
I was truly saddened to hear of her passing. I will always remember that she helped me graduate. She will always be in my heart. Rest in peace. My condolences to your family
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Colleen Hickman's name
Memorial Events
for Colleen Hickman
How to support Colleen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Colleen Hickman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
