Robert Wickward Jr.

At the holidays he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. In between Bob would get the kids and dogs all riled up. And maybe some of the other family members too: he loved to be cantankerous. One upside was that he’d be showing up with his cheesecake; people would practically knock each other over to get a piece. Bob had overalls for all occasions: everything from formal to hunting to casual. Though he struggled with illness for several years he still mustered the strength to get back out to the woods and even got a deer this year. His friends always benefited from knowing a Jack of all trades; he couldn’t do enough for them. Earlier years found him in the sandblasting business.

He is survived by his sister, Deborah (Rich) Reindl; his nieces, Kristin (Kevin) Adams and Kelly (Michael) Silberman; his great niece, Hannah; and his great nephew and best Buddy, Nicholas. Bob is survived by a host of friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents Robert and Doris.

Dress casual (overalls if you got ‘em) and come celebrate 55 great years Monday 9-11 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Donations may be made to Deborah Hospital. www.deborahfoundation.org