David Hamilton Hickey

David Hamilton Hickey, 84, of Peoria died at 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born August 10, 1927, in Kewanee IL, to D. Hamilton and Marjorie Evelyn (Killey) Hickey. Surviving are five sisters, D. Suzanne Krause of Santa Cruz CA, Joan M. Thomas of Wyoming IL, Janet E. Dean of Washington IL, Anne C. (Dwight) Rutledge of Port St. Lucie FL, H. Therese Abercrombie of Peoria IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and two sisters, Shirlee J. VonBergen and Patricia A. Ringland, preceded him in death. Born at the start of the Great Depression, and between the Great World Wars, David Hickey was raised in an era when even food and housing was not assured without hard work and a team effort of every member of the family. Being the first of eight children he helped support his mother and siblings, setting the example that generations would then follow. His first official job was working in the foundry of Caterpillar tempering parts for the giant earthmovers. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during the Second World War as gunners mate, again sending home most of his check to his mother. Fortunately for many families the war ended without the need for an invasion of Japan. After the war David worked the docks of several local trucking companies to earn his living. He was no stranger to hard manual labor at work but also complex analytical thought at home. He built the family's first television set from a kit. This required an extensive knowledge of electronics that was self-taught and an infinite amount of patience. He religiously read Popular Electronics & Mechanics to stay abreast of science and technology. His passion for his hobbies, which always seemed to be complex, included electronics, photography, videography, fishing, golf, general science and astronomy. The home he helped support eventually transitioned from a place of raising children to a focal point for the gathering of thirty families during holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. His love for his family and hobbies was captured when he taped hundreds of pictures and videos that were expensive and time consuming on his part, but are now priceless memories for the generations. Just as important, he instilled this sense of self-learning beyond formal education to those around him. His effect on those around him can be summed up by his nephew. "My 22 years as an Air Force electronics technician were in large part inspired by Uncle David teaching me basic electronics, and telling about his time in the military. During my formative years he took me on vacation during the summers instead of me causing trouble. At 16 he gave me my first car that I used to travel to my first job. I can't imagine how life would have turned out this well without his help and guidance." The love and respect of his family was returned to him to his very last moments. He was left with no doubt of his true importance and impact on his friends & family. Cremation will be accorded, with private family services at a later date.