Obituary of James Hicks

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jim Hicks on October 5, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family while in the compassionate care at Lisaard House Hospice. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 41 years, Marjolein, his wonderful children, David Hicks and Christa, Mark Hicks and Tanya, and Amy Ollson and Steve. Opa will be terribly missed by his cherished grandchildren, Jenna and Julia Hicks and Ewan, Liam and Caden Ollson. Also left to mourn his passing is his mother Margaret Hicks, his siblings Larry Hicks and Pat, Deborah Cowell and Ron and Wendy McMurray and Brad and their families, as well as his father- in- law Dirk Smit and his wife Marge Djokich of Windsor. Jim attended the University of Western Ontario where he graduated from Honours Chemistry in 1967 and from Medical School in 1971. After a 2 year residency in Family Medicine he opened his medical practice with Dr. Michael Pascoe in Sept of 1973. He enjoyed his work in Family Medicine until retirement on Dec 31, 2009. Concurrently he was Director of Health Services at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo for 39 years. He helped to establish the Health Services at WLU Brantford and was Director there until Sept 2011. Jim was instrumental in establishing the Sexual Assault Treatment Team at St Mary's Hospital where he was an active team physician for many years. He enjoyed a lifetime of competitive tennis, many years of golf with great friends, some years of squash and any other sport with a racquet. He was a proud member of the Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club where he enjoyed fellowship and involvement in both international and local charitable works. Special thanks to Dr. Donna Ward, Dr. Nadia Califaretti, CCAC and Para Med nurses, the staff at Lisaard House and family and friends who supported Jim and his family during his long battle. A private family service will be held at the Williamsburg Cemetery in Kitchener. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service to be held at the Wilfrid Laurier University Senate Chambers on Sunday, October 16th at 12:00 noon. Visiting with the family will begin at 12pm, speeches at 1pm and a reception to follow. Condolences for the family and donations to the Dr. Jim Hicks & Family International Fund (established through Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club to support the health of women and children), KidsAbility or Lisaard House would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and may be arrange through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.