Brian G. Hickey, age 81, of West Des Moines, died Sunday, October 7, at home, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Rosary service, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 10. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Thursday, October 11.

The son of James and Norah (O'Brien) Hickey, Brian was born on December 4, 1925, in Birr, County Offaly, Ireland. While immigrating to Canada, Brian passed through New York on May 12, 1951, and within two hours of landing, was on the top floor of the Empire State building and never looked back. Once in Canada, Brian secured employment with the Toronto Globe and Mail; was active in the Irish community, acting as treasurer of the Gaelic Athletic Association; leading him to meet and marry Eileen Duane on September 10, 1955. Brian also worked at DuPont and at Massey Ferguson, the latter bringing him and family to Des Moines in 1967 until his retirement in 1992. He loved Ireland, Canada and America, becoming an American citizen on his 70 birthday. He also loved history, the written word, telling a tale, spending time with friends, and most of all being with his beloved family.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 52 years, Eileen; his children: Paul Hickey and wife Leslie of Des Moines; Ann Bonanno and husband Ron of Des Moines; Patrick and wife Mary Elizabeth McNary of Washington, DC; Sean and wife Mary Ellen Arndorfer of Flagstaff, AZ; and Mary and husband Erich Ernst of Des Moines; his grandchildren: Ben, Brian and Corey Bonanno; Aisling and Aidan Hickey; and Mia Grace Hickey; brother, Des Hickey of Toronto; and sister, Marie Chambers of Ottawa, Ontario. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank, brother Christy and infant son, James. Brian, a dutiful son, brother, devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor, will be missed by many and loved by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa and Sacred Heart Church.