Rollo W. Bickley Obituary (1923 - 2005)

To view a video tribute for Rollo W. Bickley, please click here. “Huck” Rollo passed away Dec. 27, 2005 at his home following a lingering illness. Rollo was born Aug. 18, 1923 in Circleville, Utah to Marcus & Moselle Norton Bickley. Attended Lincoln Elementary, Granite Jr. High, graduating from Granite High School in 1941. He loved our country, serving during WWII as an M.P. He was the smallest M.P. in his outfit. Rollo spent his service time in Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and Pacific area. An active member of the LDS Church. He served a mission in the Eastern States Mission. Always answered any call. Rollo was working with the youth as Explorer Leader, Scoutmaster, Cubmaster and Aaronic Priesthood Advisor. He also served as Ward Clerk, Ward Choir Director, Sunday School President. His last call was as Stake Missionary in the Millcreek Stake with his wife for 37 months. “Huck” loved his family, outdoor activities and fishing. He was blessed with a special love of music. As a young missionary, he was a member of the Utah Centennial Chorus. He drove their bus (a converted ambulance) to their singing engagements. He had a dance band for many years, playing lots of Dixie-land music. He played 5 instruments: sax, clarinet, piano, organ, & guitar. Rollo retired from U.S. West in 1982 after 38 years. He began his career with Mountain States Tel. & Tel. as a garage man, and finished as Staff Training Supervisor. His training involved: First Aid, Safety, Heavy Duty Equipment, and Driver’s Ed. He married Ida Marion Coombs in the S.L. Temple June 29, 1949. They recently celebrated their 56th anniversary. They are the parents of 11 children: Janice (Larry) Jonas, Kent, Curtis (Sheryl), Douglas (Dorothy), Dale (Denise), Guy, Connie Lynne Kozlowski, David Layne (Sharon), Gerry (Laura), Alan (Loraine), & Laurie. There are 28 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Rollo is survived by his wife, Ida; 8 sons; 3 daughters; brother, Mark R. Bickley; and a number of cousins. Preceded in death by his parents and 1 grandson, Jeffery Lynn. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Special thanks to staff of S.L. Research, Utah State Veteran’s Nursing Home, Columbus Senior Center, Staff with Superior Home Care & Hospice: Lona, Clint & Heather, Disabled American Veterans, and Wendy, our letter carrier for her waves. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 at 12 noon at the Riviera Ward, 601 E. Mansfield Ave. (3100 So.) Friends may call Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State St., and Friday at the church from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Interment Holladay Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests offerings be made to the Utah State Veteran’s Nursing Home, 700 So. Foothill Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84113 (Attention: Jeff Hansen)