Bobby Tichnell

Bobby Dale Tichnell, 87, passed away in Frederick, MD on September 6, 2019, with his faithful wife of 63 years, JoAnn, and his son David by his side.  Bobby ran quite a “race” and brought a lot of his family and friends along for the ride.  Whether it be working or playing, “never a dull moment” would be a true understatement.  Everybody has a story!   His life was cradled by his strong marriage, his faith, and the many relationships he easily cultivated with family, friends, and strangers along the way.  Underneath all this was a man who recognized that he was no saint and that his excesses in his younger life could have cost him everything.  He was grateful and humbled “at his core” for the second chance.  He never looked back.

Born on November 11, 1931, in Mt. Lake Park, MD, he was the son of the late Arthur S. Tichnell and L. Kathleen (Junkins) Tichnell.  Nothing was more important to Bob than his family.  He and JoAnn  purchased the family farm in Garrett County, MD, which served as the hub for family activity for decades.  In addition to his wife he is survived by his son David and daughter-in-law Marty (Albuquerque). Later in life, he was graced with a grandchild, Conor.  Together, their scheming against “enemy forces” (e.g., anyone that might make them follow rules) brought him a lot of joy.  He also has many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.   Bobby was predeceased by all of his brothers: Johnny, Arthur (Red), Ken, and Fred.

Bob was a compassionate man who believed in serving others. For more than 50 years, he was a member of the Frederick Church of the Brethren.  He served on the church board and chaired the Social Action Committee during important disaster relief efforts.  He particularly enjoyed working at the Alan P. Linton, Jr., Cold Weather Shelter.  He was one of the founders and early directors of  the Maryland Sheriff’s Youth Ranch.  Bob organized many Washington Redskin Nights at Frederick Elks Lodge #684 to raise thousands of dollars for various causes.  Bobby “walked the walk.”

Bob was a member of various local organizations.  Early on he was elected a Maryland State Director in the Frederick Junior Chamber of Commerce.  He was an active member of more than 50 years and Past Exalted Ruler of Frederick Elks Lodge #684.  Bob was proud of his service in that organization which included his years as Chairperson of the Americanism Committee, and ten plus years as President of the Past Exalted Rulers.  He was instrumental in the purchase and movement of the Lodge to its current location on Shookstown Road, as well as the renovations that occurred later.

Bobby graduated in 1950 from Bruce High School in Westernport, MD, where he served as vice president of his class.  Fittingly he had a lead role in the Senior Class Play “Too Much Trouble.”  After two years working for the MD State Police, he entered the business machine industry.  He later moved  into the amusement/vending business where he eventually established his own business, B-T Enterprises, that he operated for more than 40 years.  Bobby’s friendliness, work ethic, and “old school” demeanor made him a natural and very successful small business man and salesman.  He believed there was enough business for everyone and treated his clients as well as his competition with respect.  Bobby was as comfortable working with the wide “variety of unforgettable folks” he encountered in his local business as he was at the State Legislature lobbying on business issues or other interests.  He was a country boy at heart, but he could and did operate effectively in the political and corporate worlds.

Bobby “gave a lot” but he also knew he received back tenfold.  He was the recipient of an abundance of compassion, good will, and excellent medical care, particularly in his later years.  He would want to thank Dr. Syed Haque, Dr. John Vitarello, Dr. Frank Damazo (retired), Dr. James A. Busack and Dr. Robert Hughes (who proceeded him in death) and their staffs.  Bob was fond of the staff at Citizen’s Care and Rehabilitation Center in Frederick, MD, particularly those in the rehabilitation wing.  To all those he encountered in the care giver and medical realms, he would want to offer a heartfelt thanks and encourage them to keep up the good work in what can be a difficult system.

If Bobby were writing this obit, he would want to make sure that a couple things were clearly stated at the end: None of the above would have been possible without the love, loyalty, and perseverance of his wife JoAnn and that he wanted all his family and friends to truly understand how much they meant to him and how grateful he was for everything.  And finally, he would ask us all not to worry about him, because he is in his Savior’s hands, and right now there is quite a “reunion” going on!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be welcome for The Alan P. Linton, Jr., Emergency Shelter (The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, 27 Degrange St., Frederick, MD 21701 or at thereligiouscoalition.org.  Designate your gift to the emergency shelter.) or the  Frederick Church of the Brethren Deacon Fund, 201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701 (which is one of the benevolence funds for the church).

The family will receive friends at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, on Friday, September 20, 2019, from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm.  A Celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave. at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21.  Pastor Kevin King will officiate.  Internment will be on Monday, September 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the family cemetery in Swanton, MD.  Rev. William Shimer will officiate.