Obituary of Victor Cyril Hickey
In Loving Memory of Victor Hickey
February 22, 1935 – July 30, 2025
Victor Hickey (aka Pup), a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, at the age of 90.
Born on February 22, 1935, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pup was the cherished son of James Patrick Hickey and Gladys Irene McGrath. He grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of his six siblings: Anna, Ernest, Jimmy, Doug, Rose, and Duke—a lively household that shaped his warm and generous nature.
Pup spent 69 wonderful years married to the love of his life and his best friend, Margaret (aka Pally) Hickey (Charlton), a partnership built on respect, dedication, and deep affection. Together they raised four children—Susan, Victor (Sandra), Joanne (Kevin M.), and Pauline (Kevin L.) —whom he supported, protected, and loved with every fibre of his being. His family was his world, and nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by those he loved most.
He was a proud grandfather to Tiffany (Edward), Candace (Alicia), Jason (Amanda), Matthew (Liz), Nathan, and Anthony (Alyssa), and a doting great-grandfather to Kian, Leif, Scotia, Callie, and Angel. Pup's love stretched far and wide, even to his beautiful long-haired grey cat, Charlie, who was always close by his side.
Pup’s work ethic was second to none. From a young age, he took on jobs that taught him the value of hard work and responsibility—painting houses, helping build chimneys, installing copper piping for the city, and working in the dish room at the VG Hospital. He took pride in every job he had, but his first serious role came as a labourer for the Department of Highways in Halifax, where he worked for three years.
He later spent seven years at the Capitol Theatre in Halifax, caring for the boilers and managing the cleaning crew. But it was his time with the Halifax School Board—as both a school bus driver and janitor—that brought him the most joy. The students and teachers adored him, and he was remembered in the hallways or on the bus, not just for his hard work, but for his kind heart, warm smile, and the way he made everyone feel seen and appreciated.
Pup had a collector’s soul—coins, stamps, and old books filled his shelves and his imagination. Always happy to talk about his finds, and the history and value of some of the treasures he had acquired. He also had a deep appreciation for nature and could spend hours birdwatching with quiet joy, looking up birds in his bird book that he was not familiar with. He loved playing cards, horseshoes, or washer toss with friends and family; Pup’s playful and cheeky nature always shone through. He also loved getting his weekly scratch ticket—forever hopeful of hitting it big.
He could fix just about anything, from broken toys to household odds and ends. He was the family’s go-to handyman, woodworker, and quiet hero. He loved making things out of wood, especially for his grandchildren, just to see their faces light up.
Pup was known for his sense of humour, his love of a good joke, and his fondness for classic comedies and old black-and-white films. Westerns, Laurel and Hardy, Mr Bean and timeless classics filled his living room with laughter. He had a soft spot for animals, never harming even a bug, and had a heart that radiated kindness.
In his younger years, Pup was known for his love of dancing—never one to shy away from a lively party or celebration, and grabbing anyone’s hand who was happy to do the two-step with him. He was always impeccably groomed, with a quiet pride in his appearance. Pup had his own signature style— always sporting his iconic plaid shirt, a neat pair of slacks or jeans, perfectly combed hair, always clean shaven, and perhaps the best-groomed nails of any man. He appreciated a good glass of beer or wine, which was always served in the "right" glass.
Above all, Pup loved—and loved deeply. If he worried, it was only because he cared so much. His love was constant, strong, and steady. He believed in his family, stood by them without question, and gave them a foundation of loyalty, honesty, and unconditional support. He lived simply, and he left this world the way he lived in it—gracefully, and with great dignity.
Rest easy, Pup. You were loved beyond measure, and you leave behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and love that will never fade. You were the best dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather that anyone could ever ask for, and although you will be greatly missed, it brings us comfort knowing that you are now walking hand in hand with your beautiful baby girl Susan.
Cheers to you Pup, and the amazing life that you lived, and the most incredible memories that you have left us all. Love you millions and trillions and miss you so much already.
A celebration of life will be held at Pauline’s house on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia at https://alzheimer.ca/ns/en/node/donate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 198 Coldbrook Village Park Drive, Coldbrook, NS (902) 679-2822.
