Michael W. Wickham

Michael W. Wickham, Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2015 at his home.

He was born September 9, 1946 in Elmira, New York to Ernestine (Roda-baugh) and the late Harold G. Wick-ham.

Growing up he was an Eagle Scout and attended the University of Delaware where he played football for the Fighting Blue Hens. Professionally, Mr. Wickham was a leader in the transportation and logistics industry during his 35 year career beginning with Roadway Express. He retired as Chairman of the Board of Roadway Corporation in December 2003, where he was Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 1999 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1999 until his retirement in 2003. He founded and was Chairman of both the Board of Motor Freight Carriers and the American Transportation Research Institute. He also served on the Board of Akron Children's Hospital and Foundation. Upon retiring from Roadway, he served as a director on the boards of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Republic Services, Inc. and as Chairman for Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Mr. Wickham loved horseracing so he founded Pauleeanna Thoroughbreds, Inc., a small breeding farm in Micanopy, Florida. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with friends, and playing golf. Most of all he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Barbara; his mother, Ernestine; and brother, Robert Wickham (Ronda). He leaves behind three children, Devon W. Strickland (Stuart), Michael P. Wickham, and Lindsay A. Wickham; he is survived by one grandson, Bryce W. Strickland.

Services are entrusted to Lohman Funeral home of Palm Coast, Florida. A memorial mass will be held at Santa Maria Del Mar in Flagler Beach on February 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation or the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.

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

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Wickham

Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.

22 Entries

Lou Esposito

January 19, 2022

This time of year I often think back to January 1996 and the kick off of the newly independent Roadway Express. I was proud to be part of the excellent team that Mike put together. His outstanding leadership was the crucial element of our success. If ever hard work was enjoyable and fruitful, it was then. I also remember the winter soup hikes and the fishing trips with Bob Carr and Mike.
Mike's passing has left a void in all of our lives.

With Love Bocko

Planted Trees

Lou Esposito

January 20, 2020

They say the good die young, and Mike was one of the very, very good. He passed away far too young in 2015, and it has been a terrible loss for his family and all who knew him. I really miss my good friend.

Pete Neydon

February 11, 2018

Mike Wickham was a giant in the trucking Industry. He was respected by all who knew him. My belated sympathy to his wife and family and to all his friends. RIP Mike.

Terry Srsen

May 2, 2015

Dear Barbara and Family,
Eileen and I were stunned and saddened to see the news of Mike's passing on the net. We have such wonderful memories of his wit, warmth and loyalty as a friend and boss. We are so sad for your family to lose one of the truly good guys at such a young age. With sympathy and love. Terry and Eileen Srsen

Lou Esposito

February 11, 2015

Mike was a great family man, an inspirational leader, and a very dear friend. Jeannette and I will miss him. He brought out the best in everyone who knew him.
Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family.

Lou Esposito

Bob Mercer

February 8, 2015

Dear Barbara. Mae and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mike was a pleasure to work with.He was dedicated to his Company and recognized as a giant in the Industry he served. We will all miss him,

February 3, 2015

Barbara,
I met you at a preview party for the Children's Hospital Tree Festival in Akron, only because Mike consistently honored the front line who worked for Roadway.
While your loss is far more personal, we both know "a lion sleeps tonight".It was a privilege to know him.
I wish you & your children great happiness & honor the legacy you will continue in his name.
Donna Faber

Tom. (Bocko) Bock

February 3, 2015

Our lives are touched by many people but Wick was special
A great leader, mentor and friend. I can't imagine what my life would have been like if I had not had The Wick in it.
As he always told me "let those who want to get what they can. Let those who don't want to have memories of not getting any. Let that not be their curse but their reward". Condolences to Barbara and children we will miss him

Ralph Wiggins

January 30, 2015

Mick ,miss you living as clocehouse wise growing up.Smaltowns bring out the best in a person You brought class in allyou did at Horseheads and life.

Karen Grant

January 29, 2015

Mike started out as a customer and ended up as a friend. I'm so glad we got to share some fun times on his various boats and got to know him and his wonderful family. He was an unforgettable man and a truly generous soul.

Mike on Pauleeanna hunting wahoo off St Augustine

Karen and Capt Rick Hill

January 29, 2015

Mike, a great fisherman and greater friend. Been a blessing to have spent so much time with you at sea and on land. Our love to all the Wickham's.

carol whitaker

January 29, 2015

I worked with Mike when he served on the Aurora Board. I will miss him as he was a genuine gentlemen. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his loving family. RIP Mike.

Lee Crano

January 27, 2015

My condolences to the family. In my opinion ~ the best President/CEO Roadway Express ever had. Someone who knew the business AND it's people. RIP Mike. Are you and Bob Carr catchin the BIG ONES now?

Kay Barnett

January 26, 2015

I Loved me some Mike Wickham. He called me my last day of work (thank you Donna Haury), and folks in my department at the time thought I was a celebrity! RIP Mike!

Cindy Aiello

January 26, 2015

A true pleasure to have worked for such a professional, compassionate leader at Roadway. He will be missed.

January 25, 2015

Was shocked to hear of Mikes passing!Sincere condolences to Barbara and the family.Worked for Mike in North Reading,Mass.He wa sa great boss

B Turney

Charlie & Ann Reinhart

January 25, 2015

Aunt Erne, Bob and family; Our sincere condolences on the passing of Mickey. We send our sympathies and prayers. God Bless

John Comereski

January 25, 2015

Erne and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of another loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all!

Lorraine (Eck) Chorney

January 25, 2015

My remembrance of "Mickey" Michael Wickham goes back to growing up in Millport, New York, and as a classmate at Millport Elementary School and Horseheads Junior/Senior High School, many years ago. I was surprised to read of his passing. My sympathies to his family for their loss.

John and Gisele Gunderman

January 25, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. Wick was a great friend and he will be missed. He will always be remembered for his greatness by his Horseheads friends.

John Buck

January 25, 2015

A true gentleman and professional. I have fond memories of the many meetings and dinners I had with you over the years; and of course the numerous golf outings where you put up with me in your foresome.
Rest in Peace Michael

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results