TRAVERSE CITY — Gregory Alan Hickey, 63, of Williamsburg, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Greg was born on Thursday, June 26, 1952 in Saginaw, the son of Patricia Margot (Brown) and Donald James Hickey. Greg graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1971 and then continued his education at Central Michigan University, earning a bachelor's degree in business education. On Saturday, June 27, 1981 he married the former Marcia Anne Salow in Traverse City. A rustic outdoorsman, Greg especially loved the water. He could always be found sailing, kayaking and spending time at the cabin on Lake Superior in Canada. He was a kind and compassionate person, quietly looking ahead to see how he could best help his family, friends and clients. He always had what you needed, often times before you knew you needed it. He had many talents, evidenced by how he was willing to help others in any way he could, it could be cutting wood, pushing a car out of a snow bank or providing wise council to his clients at Michigan Works, from which he recently retired. Most of all, he was a family man. His wife and sons were his life, and he instilled in his sons his morals, values and appreciation of life. His love and sense of humor will be treasured. Greg continues to live on and help others by way of his donation through the Gift of Life program. Greg is survived by his wife, Marcia; his sons, James (Diane Feller), of Cooperstown, New York, and Kelin, of Anchorage, Alaska; his sister, Karen Gharib, of Saginaw; his brother, Bob Hickey, of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Linda (Edward) Jocque, of Lansing; brother-in-law, Bill Salow, of Monroe; and many valued nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation for Greg will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, with a memorial service celebrating his life beginning at 11 a.m., also at the church. Rather than flowers, memorial contributions to the Elk Rapids Community Cupboard Food Pantry, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629; or to the Child Care Fund for Elk Rapids Elementary Schools in care of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 306 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684, would be appreciated. Please share your memories and thoughts of Greg with his family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Published on January 14, 2016