A Decade Ago

Ten years ago today our family lost a great man...my grandad. Truly it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. I was in my mid-20's, pregnant with Bradley. I remember the day very vividly. Rob was playing golf with his father. My mom was at home...I was at our townhouse in Oceanside cleaning the bathroom when my mom called to to tell me. We were all heartbroken.

I wish he could have met Bradley. I wish I would have known it was coming (or at least acknowledged that his cancer was winning the battle a little sooner). I miss him deeply.

Today I'm thinking of him. Thinking of when he'd take me swimming after his evening run. When I'd visit him and Granny when they lived in CA. When I was just a small child and would visit them in WA. Thinking of the wonderful person he was and celebrating his life.

I created the program for his memorial service and have shared parts of it below - his photo and a list of his life's accomplishments and highlights....




Robert Bardwell Wickes II



1922          Born in Ontario, New York

1940          Graduated from Monroe High School

1942+    Joined the Navy. Flew in Squadron vbf2 during WWII.

1948          Married Virgie Lou (Olmstead) Wickes

1949       Began career at LTV

1949       Graduated from University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering

1949          Joined the Naval Air Reserve

1949       Had first child, Beatrice Ellison, of Austin, Texas

1953          Had second child, Alison Groves, of Carlsbad, California

1954          Had third child, Meredith Shepardson, of Austin, Texas

1956       Had fourth child, Carolyn Lacy, of Austin, Texas

1958       Had fifth child, Philip Wickes, of Dripping Springs, Texas

1961       Had sixth child, Henry Wickes, of Austin, Texas

1963          Started climbing mountains

1968          Retired as a Commander from the Naval Air Reserve

1976          First grandchild, Stephanie Wadas, was born

1980          Second grandchild, Leela Ellison, was born

1984          Traveled with his wife, Virgie, to Europe for the first time

1986       Traveled with his wife, Virgie, to Scandinavia

1988          Third grandchild, Benjamin Groves, was born

Fourth grandchild, Anastasia Ellison, was born

1989          Retired from LTV and moved to Port Ludlow, Washington

1990       Fifth and sixth grandchildren, Keith & Micaela Lacy, were born

1993       Seventh grandchild, Aaron Wickes, was born

1996          Eighth grandchild, Andrew Wickes, was born

1996          Traveled with his wife, Virgie, to Spain and France

1997          Accomplished climbing the highest peak in 48 of 50 states

2001          Found out he’s going to be a great-grandad

2002          Passed away with his wife and daughter by his side