Robert "Bob" Bruce Fickling, 67, died Feb. 16 of complications from congestive heart failure and cancer in Joshua Tree, Calif.
Mr. Fickling was born June 14, 1942 in Columbia and grew up in Blackville where as a child he was an avid builder of cars and motorcycles and won drag races throughout the region. He also played football among other sports for Blackville High School. Mr. Fickling attended Clemson University and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After completing his service, he lived in California where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service repairing specialized machinery and damaged safes. He was an expert marksman and repaired guns for police departments. He was also a championship chess player; an avid reader of philosophy, math, and science; and he loved dogs.
Mr. Fickling is survived by his brother, Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville and by his sister, Katherine Fickling Buzby of Spartanburg.
He was preceded in death by his life partner of over 30 years, Nick Fediw of Walnut Creek California, by his mother, Katherine Plexico Fickling and by his father, Robert Bruce Fickling, both of Blackville.
Donations in memory of Mr. Fickling can be made to the National Humane Society: Dept MEMIT9; 2100 L St. NW; Washington, D.C. 20037 (866-693-7436) or the local animal shelter.
A burial service will be held at the Blackville cemetery at a later date.
The People-Sentinel 02/24/10