Tributes paid following death of John Hickey

Tributes have been paid to long-standing member of the Woy Woy Little Theatre, Mr John Hickey, after his death on November 19 of esophageal cancer.

President Ms Christine Vale said Mr Hickey had been a stalwart of the company for 57 years and that the organisation owed him and his wife Barbara a great debt.

"Without them, the company would not be in the wonderful position it is today, and for that all of us will always be thankful," Ms Vale said.

"Like many members, past and present, over the past 15 years, I've been on stage with John as well as being directed by him.

"It was always a privilege.

"John had a quiet confidence about him, and his years of experience just cut through.

"His sense of timing, both in comedy and drama, showed this on stage, and his perceptiveness when directing was a joy," Ms Vale said.

"Along with Barbara and others, John was instrumental in settling the company in its new home at the Peninsula Theatre nearly 20 years ago.

"The company is so fortunate to be reaping the benefits of what John did for it.

"We won't forget it, and his legacy will continue," Ms Vale said.

Long-time friend of Mr Hickey's, Mr Graham Vale, also paid tribute.

"John's passion for Woy Woy Little Theatre was absolute.

"Acting, directing, stage managing, behind the scenes and as a fervent custodian of the continuous development of the company in many committee functions over many decades.

"I'm pretty sure that he would want me to point out that he wasn't a founding member.

"He would want me to point out that the founding members in 1962 of the Woy Woy and District Theatrical Society (as it was then known) included Richard Smith, Maureen and Ian Ross, Bill and Edna Tomkins, Bill and Patricia Flynn, Ann and Ron Morris and Dawn Healey.

"But with a high degree of confidence, I will say that John and Barbara have been the longest active members of the company since that time," Mr Vale said.

Mr Hickey's funeral was held on November 26 at Woy Woy's St John the Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, their two daughters, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

SOURCE:

Website, 21 Nov 2019

Christine and Graham Vale, Woy Woy Little Theatre Company