John Patrick Hickey

Unc was born to Helen and Lester Hickey in La Crosse, Wis. After graduating from Aquinas High School, he proudly served two years in the United States Navy Reserve and then moved to Phoenix in 1965. In 1984, he built his dream home, The Ranch, where he enjoyed his horses, dogs and other pets. Unc was a man of his own convictions, generous with his time, talents and compassion. At 53, he retired and treasured life on The Ranch. He indulged his passion for bargain shopping at Goodwill on Senior Tuesdays, gardening, concocting different dishes, including salsas and ailment-healing soups, as well as savoring lemon meringue pie and cashews. Unc cherished his childhood friends and family, Arizona friends and his dear neighbors.

Unc is survived by his sister, Ann Hickey McCarthy; nephew, John; his nieces, Michele, Eryn (Lupe) and Salina; great-nephews, Kyle and Kurt; great-nieces, Kaitlyn, Alena, Miranda, Anna, Helena, Ashling; and his great-great-niece, Alice.

Social gatherings and holidays, especially Christmas Eve at The Ranch, will never be the same. Unc, you will be dearly missed and we love you!

Services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, Ariz., 85022.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Horse Rhythm Foundation, C/O Midwestern University Equine Center at 5725 W., Utopia Road, Glendale, Ariz., 85308; Caring for Canines at 4103 E. Fanfol Dr., Phoenix, Ariz., 85028; or Home Fur Good at 10220 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85028.