Billy Dale "Bill" Fickel

Billy Dale (Bill) Fickel went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 23, 2016. His was a "Life Well Lived." He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He always said he was proud to be a Native New Mexican, born in Tucumcari and raised in San Jon. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University and came to Albuquerque as a math teacher at Monroe Junior High. After completing his Masters and Administrative Certification at the University of New Mexico, he was appointed principal of Harrison Junior High and then principal of Albuquerque High School when it was located at the corner of Broadway and Central. He completed his years with Albuquerque Public Schools at Central Office as Director of High School Instruction and Vocational Education. To this day, he has maintained many friendships with colleagues from his years in APS. As a young father, he enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball with friend Russell Goff, taking his family camping, boating, and fishing with friends, and traveling to various places of interest in the Southwest. Bill served nine years in the New Mexico National Guard and was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge Temple #6. He also was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and his religion played an important part in his life. In retirement, Bill and his wife Sue enjoyed traveling with friends, playing Duplicate Bridge (earning Silver Life Master), and spending time with their grandchildren. Bill was one who was always willing to help when called upon, and he was a friend and support to many. He will be greatly missed!
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue; daughter, Kathleen Tomlinson (Erik, deceased); son, Kevin Fickel (Lisa); grandchildren, Trevor Fickel (Liz), Amanda Tomlinson, and Tyler Fickel; brother-in-law, Sam Baty (Linda); niece, Kim Salemme (Jack); nephew, Kyle Wallin; and many cousins. Love grows deep and solid during the most difficult of times. The family would like to thank those who called, sent cards, came to visit or play bridge as this made Bill's final journey a year of remembrance. The family would also like to thank the following team at Presbyterian Hospice for their loving care of Bill: Dr. Margaret Vining, nurse Dawn Schrader, healthcare provider Darlene Baca, and Chaplain Howard Hinman. Finally, we thank caretaker Anastasia Papas and The Visiting Angels whose services were most appreciated.
Friends may visit Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 5:00-7:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Services will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2016, 10:00 a.m., also at FRENCH - Wyoming. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kevin Fickel, Trevor Fickel, Tyler Fickel, Russell Goff, Frank Love, Bob Garrecht and Kyle Wallin. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Baty, Marvin Briggs, Jim Hulsman, Doug McVicker, Joe Vivian, Phil Strusacker, Mike Gruner, Jim Pacini, and Jack Salemme. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to Covenant United Methodist Children's Church, c/o Amy Roble, 8510 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 87113.



FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400