Obituary of Hugh Hedley Hicks

It is with deep anguish that we announce the passing of Hugh Hicks on October 8, 2016. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at the Stratford General Hospital. He was only 64 years old. He is deeply missed by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen (nee O’Keefe), as well as his children, Sarah Hicks and her husband Laurent Bartleman of Toronto, and Gregory Hicks and his wife Vanessa Neal-Hicks of Elmira. His two grandsons, Henry and Thomas Bartleman, will miss their devoted Papa. Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Guptill and Marjorie Hicks. His brother Gary Hicks and his wife Nancy, and his sister Susan Herrington and her husband Grant, are also deeply feeling this great loss. Dad was born in a small town in rural New Brunswick. He went to school at UNB to study engineering, and then to the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now part of Dalhousie) to study architecture. He met Kathleen at a party in Halifax, and they were married the year he graduated, in 1976. They had their two children, Sarah and Greg, and then moved a few times around the country (Fredericton to Montreal and then back to Fredericton and back to Montreal again before finally heading to Waterloo). Hugh worked as an architect and property developer. He renovated the Provincial Legislative building in New Brunswick, and then made a living renovating beautiful old historical properties in Vieux Montreal. He designed and built several of the family homes over the years, and he loved helping other members of his family renovate their homes as well. Hugh was a proud member of the Family Campers and RVers group for over 20 years. He rose through the ranks of the organization, from Field Director all the way up to National Vice President. Of all his positions, his favourite was his 10-year stint as the National Teen Director. He was in charge of organizing various programs and activities, such as the National Teen Pageant and the Teen Scholarship fund. Even though he was only a Grandfather for 4 of his 64 years of life, this was the role he was meant to play. He was the proudest of Papas to his two young grandsons. No one could make him smile quite like his Henry and Thomas. Friends are invited to share their memories of Hugh with his family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. Visitations will be on Friday, October 14 from 11:00-1:00, and again on Saturday, October 15 from 11:00-1:00. The Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. The reception will follow in the Fireside Room of the Funeral Home. A private family burial will occur later at Parkview Cemetery. Condolences for the family and donations to the Grand River Cancer Centre or Family Campers and RVers Scholarship Fund may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.