JACK STANLEY HICKS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JACK STANLEY HICKS January 4, 1928 - December 22, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jack Hicks on December 22, 2010 at Riverview Health Centre. Much loved by family and friends, he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth (nee Pico), children Beverlee Hicks and Shellee Watt, granddaughter Leslee Watt (Brent Moyer), sister Phyllis Macklin and many relatives. He is predeceased by his parents, Stewart and Edna Hicks and brothers, Keith and Ed. Jack was born in Swan River, MB but spent most of his childhood in the Pilot Mound area. As a young man he apprenticed as an electrician but when a heart condition forced him to change careers he learned to telegraph and became a Station Agent for the Canadian National Railways. During his travels with his job he met and married (in 1952) the love of his life, Ruth Pico. They had two daughters and eventually set down roots in Moosehorn, MB where they lived for 33 years. There he was recognized for his strong community spirit and was elected Local District Councilor for nine years, School Trustee for eight years and served on many other community boards. Jack took his CN pension early and became Post Master for a few years before retiring completely. Jack and Ruth enjoyed taking a drive' and travelled throughout Canada and the States. They loved to golf and became snowbirds spending many winters in Arizona and Texas. In 1992 they moved to Pilot Mound where he reconnected with many long time friends and in 2008 they moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their daughters. Throughout his life Jack was an avid outdoorsman - swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, ski-dooing, curling, and with his family, built a cabin at Steep Rock beach where many happy summers were spent. He was very much a family man, a proud Father and Papa' and loving husband. By example, he taught his daughters to work hard, be responsible and compassionate, and to take time to have fun. Always generous with his time and talents, he helped anyone who needed it and was a handyman who could MacGyver' a fix for whatever was broken. Proud to be a 4th generation Mason, Jack recently received his 60 year bar presented by the Grand Master of Manitoba. We will cherish and miss the many laughter-filled times spent together. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a joke to tell, teasing the Riverview staff right up to his last days there. Thanks to the staff at Concordia Hospital, Riverview Health Centre, and all the people who provided such caring, homecare services during his illness. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service and celebration of his life will be held in Pilot Mound, MB in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Riverview Health Centre Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011