Robert E. Brickey
October 1, 1938 - February 6, 2018
Robert Emmett Brickey died peacefully of natural causes in his home on February 6, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah, his loving wife, Janice Russell Brickey, by his side. Bob was born in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to his proud parents, Frank and Mildred Brickey. Bob was a determined athlete who became famous for his fiercely competitive spirit. As an East High School Leopard, Bob played on two State Football Championship teams: 1955 and 1956, and was inducted into the EHS Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, Bob earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, CO, where he continued his athletic career, was introduced to the Code of Honor that defined the rest of his life, and to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a military officer and pilot.
In 1958 he earned Helms All-American honors, leading the Falcons that year in receptions, recording 25 catches for 281 yards and four touchdowns. In 2015 the entire 1958 Football Team was inducted into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for their undefeated season, which culminated in an epic Cotton Bowl game played in the snow against TCU, ending in a 0-0 tie! Alongside football, he was also on the varsity track team for 2 years, lettered in basketball, and was a member of the Mountaineering Club. He was also on the varsity ski team for three years, where he developed a love for the sport. Skiing became a passion of Bob's and played a major role in the decision to move back to Utah years later. He absolutely loved the mountains, and raised his family skiing every available weekend, and served as a volunteer ski patrolman throughout his adult life.
On The very same day he graduated from the Academy, June 7, 1961, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Janice Russell. Together, Bob and Jan drove to Webb AFB, TX, for his pilot training, where he once again excelled. He graduated first in his class, winning the Red Flag award, and earning the right to fly the airplane of his dreams, the F-104 Starfighter.
Bob served two tours in Vietnam, flying over 270 combat missions. He was fiercely patriotic and was forever proud to have served as a United States Air Force pilot in Southeast Asia. For his heroic and courageous actions as both a fighter pilot and forward air controller he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, 18 Air medals and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He mourned the loss of many good friends and fellow American servicemen in Vietnam and was an avid supporter of the POW/MIA movement.
Bob returned to Utah in 1965 and began a career in commercial aviation. He flew for Pan American World Airways until December 1991. He finished his commercial flying career with United Airlines. Bob continued in the United States Air Force Reserve until retiring as a Colonel in 1998, after 37 years of service. While Bob commuted to New York and San Francisco every week throughout his career, he still found time to help coach little league football, build a family cabin in Midway, UT, Ski, and help raise a family.
Bob loved to travel, ski and enjoyed friends from all over the world. His special "Winos and Derelicts" group made up of a dozen Classmates of 1961 "Academy brothers" met annually to ski somewhere in Colorado each March. These "Whiskey/Deltas" would also retreat to the Sonoma Valley in CA for croquet tournaments at one of the Academy brother's winery in the summer. Later on when Bob was unable to travel, the group decided to meet in Telluride, CO, to celebrate the Fourth of July. These loyal friends flew a chartered airplane into Salt Lake City the last three years for a one-day reunion with their beloved Academy brother and his dear wife.
Robert Emmett Brickey will be remembered by all who knew him as a caring and loving husband, father, and friend. To his Whiskey/Deltas, and nearly anyone who knew him, he was the epitome of a loyal and committed brother, ever ready to provide his unconditional love and assistance. He is survived by the love of his life, Janice; children David (Stacie) Brickey, Thomas (Heidi) Brickey, and Andrea Brickey, all of Salt Lake City; grandchildren Xander, Isaac, Asher, MiaBella, Elijah, Aaron, Rosie, Jonah, and Lily; sisters Colleen Moss (Tim, deceased) of Indiana and Sue Allbee (Gen. David Allbee) of New York. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William Brickey, and a sister, Carol Dudding.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 500 S., Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, go skiing with your family. Bob would like that.
In Loving Memory
What a great athlete and hero! He was a tremendous asset to our Air Force Academy Class of 1961. I will always remember him as an honorable man of many talents. God Bless his soul and his loving family.
Lowell W. Jones
Potomac Falls, VA
We lost a fine man! He was there for everyone. USAFA classmate and friend.
Bill Foster
Annandale, VA
Bob was always a guy who made his classmates and friends better, just by setting the bar so high. He was a man to admire and try to emulate.
John Brusky
Laguna Beach, CA
What a loss to our class!
Hanson Scott
Albuquerque, NM
Dr. Thomas Brickey, and family: I am so saddened to see of the death of your father! He, as I indicated while in the dental chair, was my closest friend's hero. When I met my friend Gordon, at Highland High, he spoke many times of your father, Mrs Brickey's son, and his enrollment at the AFA. My friend served as an AF Officer, but not as a pilot, as his eyesight did not qualify him. But he worshipped your father, who was certainly a hero, and a person to aspire to. See you next month.
Dennis Andrus
West Jordan, UT
Jan & Family, Our deepest sympathy to all your family at the loss of such a special person to each of you as husband, father and grandfather. His strong competitive nature brought him very honored and successful military and professional careers. May you all cherish good memories to sustain you in your time of grief. We extend our love to you all !
Jean & Harry Wong
Salt Lake City, UT
Bob Brickey has always had a very special place in my life and in my heart. I never knew my father - he was KIA in Vietnam when I was 5 - but Bob brought him to life for me with his friendship and his stories of their antics and football accomplishments. I will never forget meeting Bob in 1986 in front of the then Pan-Am Building in NYC. I came out to the street to greet Bob, not knowing what to expect. He had the largest smile on his face, and broke down in tears upon seeing me because he said he was seeing his long lost friend Monte Moorberg in the flesh again. I was quite moved, and so began our friendship. God Bless Bob, and his family, and his USAF Classmates. A very special man who touched all who had the privilege to know him.
Mark Moorberg
Mill Valley, CA
David, So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. The obituary was touching and impressive. I hope you and your family are doing well! Craig
Craig L Barlow
Holladay, UT
No better friend.
Rees Wagner
Hackensack, NJ
We say good bye, for a season, to one of the finest men I have known. Bob and I left on the same DC-6 from Salt Lake City to Denver on July 4, 1957, to become USAFA Cadets. We were both 18 years old. Loved him ever since. Jan and Family-- We offer our sincere condolences for your great loss. We feel your pain also. Because of Bob's deep spiritual strengths and beliefs, we know, as you do, that we will see him again. We will miss the celebration of his life due to out-of-state commitments. But please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Clair and Mary Kay Carling
J. Clair Carling
Bountiful, Ut
I had the privilege to grow up with legendary giants from the USAFA and the USAF, they were and remain my heroes, but Bob Brickey always seemed to stand out as being special. Bob had a special relationship with my father, George Simler, first forged through Falcon Football, and then sharpened in war during their time in Vietnam. I would benefit from that relationship after my father's death, because Bob passed on his memories of him to me, my siblings and my children. During a time of great personal tragedy for my wife and me, Bob stepped in without hesitation and provided us with love and strength that only a dad can provide, we are eternally grateful for the support he gave us. The Simler family, my siblings and my children send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Brickey family and we also send our thanks for sharing such a wonderful man with us! BOLTS Bob, I know you've already been to the Big O Club in the sky telling flying stories and talking Falcon football with all those who were waiting for you! Give Ryan a hug and kiss for me, keep him on your wing until I get there! With great love and respect.... A toast! Mike "Thud" Simler
Mike Simler
Colorado Springs, CO
Bob was a fine and true friend. He will be collectively missed by our class and by all of us individually. God Speed to a true and faithful warrior.
John "Smokey" Stover
Glendale, AZ
Dorene and I were greatly saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was a treasured friend for sixty years and will be in our hearts forever. Love and strength to Jan.
George Lee Butler
Laguna Beach, CA
Brick was one of the first to call me and ask if he could do anything for me when I was released from NV. Through the years we keep in touch. He was one of the finest individual I ever met. I consider it a great privilege that he called me his friend. Will see you on the other side my friend, HJ.......
Hayden Lockhart
Punta Gorda, FL
Dear Jan and Family: Please know that you are in my prayers and I send my sincere condolences in your loss. I am proud to have called Bob my friend and I will miss him. George Knebel
George Knebel
Marvin, NC
Bob was a friend of mine since Elementary School. He accomplished so much. It was SO GREAT to see him & his sweet wife at our East High Reunions! He will always be remembered as an OUTSTANDING young man who everyone loved. My love & condolences to his wonderful family! He WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
Janet Judd Powell
Mountain Home, Ar
Tom... I was saddened to read that your dad passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family ... wishing you moments of peace and comfort over the days and weeks ahead. Steffanie
Steffanie Staples
West Valley City, UT
Bob started out as a customer and then became a great friend to me and my family. It was great to talk about his flying experiences all over the world. He will be greatly missed by all of us at MasterTech . Our deepest condolences to all the family and especially Janice at this time of loss.
Dennis Roennebeck
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Royal and I are saddened to learn of the passing of a wonderful friend. Bob was a very special team mate andvfriend of my brother, Bob McDonald and my heart goes out to the family especially my good friend, Janice. What a wonderful life Bob lived and he clearly touched so many lives. You were a beautiful supportive wife, Janice and I cherish our friendship that goes back many years. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Carolyn McDonald Shipp
Great Falls, Va
I knew Bob Brickey through our working for Pan American World Airways. When we met I could see in an instant that Bob was a true Christian gentleman. My wife and I enjoyed our friendship with Bob and Janice and the time we were able to spend together in their visits to our Wyoming summer home and our visits to Salt Lake City. I shed tears at the passing and final flight west of my friend Bob Brickey. He will always be remembered as a true and loyal friend. Peace to you Bob and rest in that heavenly place where you are now. With love from Lew and Carmen Gage
Lew Gage
Reno, NV
Bob Brickey was one of my idol's growing up. He was close friends with my brother Bob McDonald. When he married Janice, he honored me by asking to stand in for my brother, who was on a mission, as his "best man." He was a fabulous athlete at East High where my brother and Bob played and won the State football championship. He was a magnificent, courageous pilot who served our country with distinction. I adored Janice and look at his life as a life well lived. God be with you Janice and family. We lost a great father, husband, pilot and patriot. RIP Bob Brickey
Mel McDonald
Gilbert, Az
I was Bob's football team-mate at East High School where we won the state championship. I also enjoyed sharing flying stories with him. His wife, Janice is a real trooper. I regret not being able to spend more time with Bob and Janice since we moved from Salt Lake to Alpine, UT. God bless Janice. John and Margie Boyden
John S. Boyden Jr.
Alpine, UT
Jan, David, Tom and Andrea: God bless you all in your loss. I have fond memories of 1970s summers coaching the Brickey clan swimmers at the Tennis Club. Chatting with and getting to know Jan and Bob was a highlight. Bob was the kind of dad I wanted to become. Hopefully I made it at least half-way there! What a great man. Kind regards,
Todd Ogaard
Sandy, UT
I was fortunate to live next door to Bob and what a great example he was to me growing up. While serving my mission in Australia, Bob hand delivered a three piece suit that did not make the original trip to Australia, what an act of kindness. Bob and I both had the opportunity of working on the Alta Ski Patrol for several years, I enjoyed car pooling with him and spending time on the slopes. We both loved finding our own little powder run that nobody had skied and doing figure 8's. together. He was a great friend
Bob Watkins
nan, nan
David & Stacie Deepest regrets at this time. What a great man. No wonder his children are so great.
Rod ludlow
Park city, Ut
Dear Jan, I couldn't let this month (our Valentine month) go bye without sending you my love and Aloha. What a wonderful guy you had! And so many special years together. My heart is so saddened for your loss. I want to be there to just give you a big hug. Aloha, Kathleen
Kathleen Cloward Sattler
Honolulu, Ha
Hi Janice, Our Love to you, Janice. I just found out. Happened to strike up a chat with a neighbor, Jim Bowman, and thought I'd try to contract you guys. Bob's there. And he is SOooo gallant that he'll wait for you (maybe me and Jacquie too) when it's our turn. Looking forward. Love, Michael and Jacquie
Michael Markowski
Corvallis, Or