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.