Obituary of Lionel James Hickey

Lionel James Hickey

February 14th, 1936 - March 15th, 2023

A stubborn Irishman to the end, Lionel James Hickey, 87, passed peacefully at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville with his wife and family by his side.

Born in Oshawa, ON, to Michael and Marguerite Hickey (pre-deceased), he is survived by his loving and patient wife of 62 years, Eileen May (nee Holroyd), sons Michael and Mark, daughter Kelly (Paul) and very special daughter-in-law Lori Maxwell. He was a grandfather to 12; Joseph, James, Sophie, Matthew, Alyssa, Jonathan, Ian, Patrick,  Jeremy, Rachel, Adam and Benjamin, and great-grandfather to 4; Eden, Shepherd, Charlotte, and Arthur. Also surviving are two sisters, Susan and Joan, and brother Douglas. Pre-deceased by daughter, Kathryn Louise, and son Allan James, brothers Jack, Ronald, Glenn, Michael, and sister Catharine.

Lionel believed “that with God’s help, it will all work out”. He was a man of simple means and needs, but rich in faith, compassion and friendships. From a job in the tobacco fields near Burketon, and through 35 years at GM, Lionel still managed to maintain 63 years of sobriety with the help of his second family, Alcoholics Anonymous. He sponsored countless men and women who needed his help, and never judged those who faltered. His passion and joy for helping others was evident at every meeting he attended.

Preceded by private cremation at Northcutt-Elliott Funeral Home, Bowmanville, ON, a celebration of Lionel’s life, for all who knew him, will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 2-5 pm, at the Tyrone Community Center, 2716 Concession Rd 7, Tyrone, ON L1C 5W2. Memorial donations may be made to the Enniskillen-Tyrone United Church, where an abrupt right-hand turn would lead Lionel to many Sundays passionately singing in the choir, feeling the joy of his faith. He will be greatly missed.