Details
About Robert H Hicken
Robert H Hicken (Bob or Bobby) was born on November 26, 1946, to Cyril and Mazie Hicken in Heber City, Utah. Nine days after his birth, Mazie slipped from this life but has been his angel mother throughout his life. When he was 5 his dad married Vay Huffaker. She was a mom to all the children and added one more brother to the family. She raised them all as her own. He was raised on the dairy farm with his sister and 5 brothers. From an early age he learned to work hard and that a job well done brings satisfaction. Being raised on the farm formed his penchant for hard work, love for family, and uncanny ability to problem-solve.
After serving a mission in the West Mexican Mission, he married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Ryan, in the Salt Lake Temple on March 14, 1968 – there sealed for eternity. During this time, he determined a construction career was for him and, after some formative years in Utah, moved his family to Arizona, where eventually he became part of Arizona West Contracting Corporation, serving as Vice President and General Superintendent. It was a career that allowed him to bless his family and many, many others through constant acts of unabated service.
His family was the center of his life, and he and Pat were blessed with 6 children— Shantell (Jay) Carroll, Tara (Kurt) Deem, Marissa (Bret) Hunt, Kamara (Gregg) Murset, Ryan, and Caskie (Chad) Brimhall. Subsequently, 37 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren (and growing) have joined the family and love to call him Papa.
He and Pat were able to serve as mission leaders in the Mexico City East mission.
Throughout his life, he has strived to live the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he has served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He passed away peacefully in his home in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer on February 25, 2026.
The viewing will be held Friday, March 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Greenfield Stake Center, 2740 S. Lindsay Rd. Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 am, at the Greenfield Stake Center, with a viewing held prior to the services from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The burial will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Charleston Cemetery in Heber City, Utah.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Humanitarian or General Missionary Fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
https://youtube.com/live/15UJ9AzbAG0
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
12 comments
Lina Hatch
What a beautiful celebration of life and the amazing tributes to Bob & Pat! Thank you for sharing your testimonies.
It was a joy to serve under Robert Hicken in the Gilbert Temple baptistry as he served in the presidency. On afternoons that may have had fewer youth patrons during school hours, President Hicken, always an optimist, reminded us that we were waiting for the “next bus load to arrive”.
At one of our gatherings he shared the experience of arriving in Mexico City for their mission leader assignment, bidding the outgoing leaders good-by, then discovering he and Pat were locked out of the mission home. Not a great start! But with his ingenuity, they discovered a way in.
We surely miss seeing Bob and Pat in the sealing office on Thursdays. Lina & Lorin
Lloyd Elliott
President Hicken was my first Bishop when our family moved to Gilbert, served in the Stake Presidency throughout my youth, and was the Stake President when I returned home from my mission. Many of my childhood memories centered around church activities and service projects include memories of and with President Hicken. We were blessed a little over a year ago when he agreed to seal our miracle baby to us in the Gilbert Temple. I have long admired how dedicated he was to his church callings as he served the Lord, while still having plenty of time for his family, his career, and serving those around him. President Hicken was a wonderful example in so many ways. He will be missed, but his impact and legacy will continue for many generations!
Matt Cambria
President Hicken was my second mission president in the Mexico City East mission, and I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him and Sis Hicken as they began their service there. I was constantly impressed by the patience and dedication that Pres Hicken showed for the missionaries and the people we served. He was an excellent example of faith and perseverance to me. He is remembered fondly and I send my love and condolences to Sis Hicken and the rest of your family.
Larry Agle
Grateful that Mary and I could connecct with you and Pat in Arizona after you grew up accross the street from my Murdock cousins in Heber City. We loved working with you and Pat at the Gilbert temple. Pat, you have a wonderful support system.
David Maosn
I had the great opportunity to work with Bob on several LDS projects over the years. At first he scared me, but we soon got to know each other well, and I truly enjoyed working with him. My condolences to his family.
Kent McDonald
Dear Pat, I haven’t really seen you and Bob since high school, but I remember so well what a generous and kind person Bob was to me. The two of you have lived a big life with a big wonderful family. I know you will miss Bob. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Kent & Carolyn McDonald, St George.
David Schaeler
In my opinion he was the kind of man that if I could literally be half the man he was I would feel very confident in returning to Father. In my opinion he was a legend. I had a handful of profound experiences with him that permanently changed my life and made me a better man.
Iris Gutiérrez
Más que nada lo que tengo son palabras de agradecimiento hacia el Presidente Hicken fue un excelente Líder.
Aun recuerdo cuando íbamos a Teotihuacán y el me decía hermana Gutierrez usted no tiene permitido subir a las pirámides a menos que bajen angeles y le suban allá.
Sus consejos y palabras cuando tuve que regresar a casa antes me reconfortaron.
Se que gracias al evangelio podremos reunirnos nuevamente con nuestros familiares y con nuestros amigos.
Hasta Vernos con el Rey”
Vickie Savory
Few men of his helpful, loving caliber exist in the world today–such an amazing man! We always admired his forthright integrity; it was an honor to have served with him.
Blessings of comfort and peace to his family, especially Pat.
Carry on in that wonderful new realm, dear President. Until we meet again.
Kevin Knox
President Hicken was my second Mission President. He was also the man that sealed my wife and I in the Gilbert AZ Temple. It was amazing to have a friend and mentor do that for us. It was also special since we were one of the first couples sealed in that temple during opening week and his first sealing ever! He and Hermana Hicken are remembered with love.
Chris Lynde
I’m very sad to hear the news. Bob and Pat were always very kind and welcoming to me. My heartfelt condolences to the extended family.
Dave Lamoreaux
We Love honor and respect, Bob and Pat Hicken. Outstanding examples of love and service. Always willing to help those in need. He was a good friend, and confident. No job too big? No problem to small? If it mattered to you? It mattered to him? We will miss you! Love Dave&Donna