Wallace Hickey, also known as Pastor Wally, was a prominent figure in the charismatic movement in Denver, Colorado. He was the founding pastor of Orchard Road Christian Center, a church that grew from a small Bible study group to a megachurch with thousands of members. He was also the husband of Marilyn Hickey, a renowned televangelist and author who has traveled to over 130 countries to preach the gospel.
But behind his successful ministry and marriage, Wallace Hickey had a personal struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. How did he cope with this condition? How did it affect his family and his faith? And what was his cause of death?
The Diagnosis and the Decline
According to Wikipedia, Wallace Hickey was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about four years before his death. His daughter Sarah Bowling, who is also a pastor and a speaker, said that he was living in a care center at the time of his death.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a loss of cognitive abilities that interferes with daily life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease vary from person to person, but they typically include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, mood and personality changes, and behavioral problems. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments can help slow down its progression and improve the quality of life of those affected.
The Support and the Legacy
Despite his condition, Wallace Hickey was not alone in his journey. He had the support of his wife Marilyn, who visited him regularly and prayed for him. She also continued her ministry work, trusting God to take care of her husband.
In an interview with Charisma News, Marilyn Hickey said that she learned to accept her husband’s illness as part of God’s plan for their lives. She said that she did not question God or blame Him for what happened. She also said that she saw God’s grace and mercy in her husband’s situation. She said that he was always peaceful and happy, and that he never forgot who she was.
Marilyn Hickey also said that she was grateful for the memories they shared together. She said that they had a wonderful marriage and ministry partnership for 57 years. She said that they traveled the world together, preaching the gospel and seeing miracles happen. She said that they had a mutual respect and love for each other.
Wallace Hickey also left behind a legacy of faith and leadership for his family and his church. He was known as a humble and generous man who loved God and people. He was an early leader of Denver’s charismatic movement, which emphasized the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. He taught the Bible and preached the healing message of Jesus Christ. He also mentored many pastors and leaders who followed his footsteps.
The Death and the Celebration
Wallace Hickey died on October 19, 2012, at age 87. His death was announced by his wife Marilyn on her Facebook page. She said that he died peaceably confident of better days ahead. She also thanked everyone for their prayers for the family.
His funeral service was held on October 26, 2012, at Orchard Road Christian Center. It was attended by hundreds of people who came to pay their respects and honor his life. The service was also broadcasted live on Marilyn Hickey’s website.
The service featured testimonies from his family members, friends, and colleagues who shared how Wallace Hickey impacted their lives. It also included songs, prayers, scriptures, and messages that celebrated his faith and legacy.
One of the speakers at the service was Pastor Jack Hayford, a close friend of Wallace Hickey and a prominent leader in the Pentecostal/charismatic movement. He said that Wallace Hickey was a man of integrity, humility, courage, and vision. He said that he was a pioneer who paved the way for many others to follow. He also said that he was a man who loved God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Pastor Hayford also said that Wallace Hickey’s death was not a defeat, but a victory. He said that he had finished his race well and received his crown of life from Jesus Christ. He said that he had entered into his eternal reward in heaven, where there is no more pain or sorrow or death.
He then encouraged everyone to follow Wallace Hickey’s example of faithfulness and obedience to God. He said that Wallace Hickey would want them to continue his mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations. He said that Wallace Hickey would want them to live with hope and joy, knowing that they will see him again in glory.
