Robert ‘Bob’ Dean Hickman, a lifetime resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the age of 64. He was born on February 9, 1959 at Memorial Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. He is the son of Paul and Alta (Coultas) Hickman.
Bob’s childhood was spent at the family home on Township Street where his dad owned a gas station. They later moved to State Street. He attended Mary Purcell Elementary, Central Elementary, Cascade Junior High, and Sedro-Woolley High School, graduating with the class of 1977. Bob was a proud Sedro-Woolley Cub.
He started his plumbing career with his dad when he was 15 years old. His plumbing apprenticeship was with Purves Plumbing. Bob proudly earned his residential and commercial plumbing licenses in 1983. He was a proud member of the United Association Local 26 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He officially opened Hickman Plumbing that same year. He was fondly known as “Bob the Plumber” to everyone in Sedro-Woolley. After operating Hickman Plumbing for 30 years, Bob decided it was time to give back to the community he so dearly loved through his trade. He started working as the Sedro-Woolley School District Plumber in 2013. It was important to him to keep the schools in good shape for his grandson and all future generations.
Bob married Leanne on April 16, 1983. They raised 3 kids together- one daughter and two sons. Bob loved his family, his community, and helping others. He was a great friend. He was so proud of his kids and grandson. They were his number one priority. You would always find him at their activities and events. Bob dedicated his life to making a difference in our local youth. He proudly served as a Sedro-Woolley School Board member from 1995-2002. He loved the game of softball, coaching for over 25 years at the little league, select, high school and college levels. His goal was to teach his players life lessons they could apply on and off the field. Softball was about more than just winning to Bob.
Bob’s sense of humor was beyond comparison. He always had a joke to tell or a funny story to share. He strived to make others laugh in hopes that it would make their day better. Bob was also a great problem-solver. He never gave up until he found a solution, even if it meant inventing new tools.
Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leanne; his daughter, Erin; his sons, Derek and Kyle; grandson, Mason; brother Jim (Mary) Hickman, sister, Linda (Tim) Woiwod; sister, Kay (Stan) Sass; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lee and Willyne Adams; brother-in-law, Greg Adams; sister-in-law, Tracey Adams; special cousin, Lori Frizzell; numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Alta Hickman; his brother, Bill Hickman; sisters-in-law, Becky Adams and Lea Hickman; nephew, Mike Hickman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bob Hickman Memorial Fund at North Coast Credit Union. Bob’s legacy will live on through this fund that will support youth in our community, just like he did.
A Memorial for Bob will be held at 2:00, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Sedro-Woolley High School Auditorium with a reception to follow. His final resting place will be Hamilton Cemetery. Share your memories of Bob and sign the online guest register.
Bob Kylie and I will miss you, over 15 years you have taught both my girls, the love of sports. even when they didn’t want to play softball, you always made sure they had a backup sport, everything you’ve done for Kylie over the years I am truly grateful, when we couldn’t afford to play on select you made a way for Kylie to be able to, or the way you stole her cleats and replaced them with new ones even though she liked the one she had before, You are very insistent, You blessed my children with not only love for sports but love and kindness for others, you are an amazing role model! when myself or my girls ever need anything you are always there through the good times and the bad you always would find a way to make things bearable. I will miss your goofy look you gave me every time I asked a silly question. you will be truly missed by everyone, words will never express how grateful I am for what you did for my children, we love you Bob, I pray that someday your family will understand why the Lord had to take you home until we meet again friend. rest easy
Bob Hickman was the best softball coach I ever had and one of the best people I’ve ever known. He was incredibly kind, dedicated, and encouraging. He believed in me when it felt like no one else did, including myself, and I am SO grateful for his friendship, mentorship and overall impact he had on my life. He helped me grow so much as a player and as a person and I wish I had told him how much he meant to me.
Leanne, Erin and family we are so sorry for your loss, our love and prayers are with you all.
Rest in peace, Bob! I will always cherish the memories of time spent with you at high school and then meeting up with you after high school!
Leanne and family I’m so sorry for your loss my heart and prayers are with you.
Leann and family. So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Am glad I was able to work with Bob this last year updating the plumbing in my mother in-laws rentals and then just 3 weeks ago fixing the plumbing to the bathtub in our house. So sorry for your loss.
Bob was the only plumber my husband, a builder, would use. Excellent work but more excellent was his personality. They meshed well and traded quips and shared stories. A delightful man and good friend. Many condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. It was always a pleasure to connect with Bob. He was as asset to our community.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was our plumber when we built our home. I can hear him laughing… He made every moment of the day fun. He always had time for a quick chat when crossing paths on the Evergreen Elementary School Campus. Prayers of peace and comfort for the family.
Bob, my baby brother, was born in Feb. of my High School graduation year, 1959. Even though there was such a difference in age, we hunted deer and elk together.
We took a trip to Reno for a fun time together. He always was willing to help with any problem that surfaced in my family. It is sad to us that he died so young and never had time to finish the restoration of his car he was waiting for retirement to complete. He will be sorely missed and we pray for his family to be comforted during this separation from BOB.
Praying for comfort for my Washington family. I love ❤️ each of you so much and wish I could be there in Sedro-Woolley with you. I always felt comfortable taking softball with Bob. We both loved the sport and kids so much. Bless all from Franklin, NC
Leanne and Family,
I feel honored to have been able to meet Bob. I didn’t know him well but through you I feel like I did. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
I remember calling Hickman Plumbing in 1994 and hearing a child’s voice answer. I loved it, and many years later became good friends with Erin (who was probably the “receptionist”) and Mason and, by extension, the rest of the Hickmans through our fandom of Mason’s teams. I’m kicking myself for not following through on my idea last Saturday to take a picture of 4/5 of the family as they cheered Mason’s soccer team. It was very clear that Bob was the best ever family man who will be deeply, dearly missed. 💔
Bob was a very nice man and I liked him a lot. I always liked visiting with him when I would see him around town. He was always happy to give me plumbing advice whenever I got in over my head. Big loss for the community.
Memory is when I was the littlest! My cousin Erin and I were sitting in a recliner at the Hickman house on state street. Uncle Bob and Grandpa just got home from a job. Uncle Bob saw us sitting in the recliner and he kept tipping us back and forth while we laughed and giggled. We must have been 6 or 7. Vivid memory!
The only person my grandmother trusted to do her plumbing work, he treated his customers more like a friend then after awhile family. Even though he was my sister’s classmate he was my friend and I enjoyed seeing his smiling face whenever I ran into him. Going to miss that. Farewell my friend till we meet again..
Leanne and family,
My heart is so very sad to hear of Bob’s passing- way too young! Growing up, we were only 4 years difference in age so I thought of him more like my cousin, we enjoyed many happy times together. May you feel comforted during this difficult time of separation, and know of prayers sent heavenward for your family 🙏!!!
I am so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. What a gem of a human being. It was always a pleasure to bump into him our duties both covered the whole district. He was always so helpful and friendly. Hugs and prayers for the family as you all learn to cope with his loss.
Bob was a great guy! I met him when I worked at the middle school and then saw him when I went to the high school. Very funny, great sense of humor. I called him Bob the builder. I told the students, ” there’s Bob, he fixes things” so every time they saw him they would say Hi! He will be missed! Always took a minute to talk.
Bob always made people laugh. Me included! I am truly saddened to learn of his passing. The world is a smaller place now.
I am proud to say, Bob was my classmate and my friend. A truly great man, funny, kind and quick witted. He will truly be missed. Hugs and love to his family.
Leanne, Erin, Derrick, and Kyle, I was sorry to hear about Bob passing away. I pray God will give you the strength you need during this difficult time. Bob was a good man and I know you have many precious memories. Love each one of you. 🙏❤️
Leanne and family we are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our love and prayers are being lifted up fir you. Love, Russ and Lynn
I am so sad to hear about Bobs’ passing. He was a great guy. I always enjoyed running into him at the high school. He had a bit of a smart ass sense of humor which is probably why I enjoyed him. My heart goes out to you.
Leanne and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a huge part of our community and will be missed by all. thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.