Well done, good and faithful servant…….Matthew 25:23
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Bill Hicks announces his peaceful passing on Monday, July 3, 2023, surrounded as always by his loving family.
Born William Henry Hicks on September 2, 1930, he was the only child of Ronald and Emmie Hicks, and was raised and educated in Westfort. He graduated from Fort William Collegiate in 1948. In his younger years he worked at Superior Cartage, the Searle Elevator, Irwin Ready Mix, Nor-Shore Ready Mix, Kam Aggregates, briefly as a long haul driver for Shaw Bakery, finally retiring from the City of Thunder Bay Homes for the Aged – Pioneer Ridge in 1995.
He met his wife Eleanor on New Years‘ Eve 1949 and they were married on September 9, 1950. Eleanor and Bill enjoyed 69 years of a loving marriage which included raising their three children and watching the arrival of three more generations.
Vacations were enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and Canada as well as Caribbean and Alaskan cruises. They both were very active at Calvary Lutheran Church of which they were part of the small group of founding members. Bill has been involved in many capacities at Calvary including Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, member of Council, long time Financial Secretary and an enthusiastic member of the men's group simply known as God’s Men.
Bill will be sorely missed by his family, his children Vickie (Ken) Wright, Ginny (Ron) Strey and John (Cathy) Hicks, grandchildren Michelle (Arthur) Dzialakiewicz and their children Hayley Klassen and Alexandra, Jeffrey (Kim) Wright, Kendra (Doug) Perry and their children Mitchell and Kevin, Jason Hicks and his children Grey and Jason, great-granddaughter Kaylee Cusimano and great-great-grandchildren Weston and Charlotte Klassen. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Verlene Flewelling and nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, wife Eleanor (2020), half-brother Brian Hicks (2018) and grandson Adam Strey (2022).
His Christian funeral will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church (corner of Edward and Donald Streets) on Monday July 31, 2023 at 11am, and will be officiated by Pastor Brian Falkenholt. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jenkens Funeral Home.
Placement of ashes will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Thunder Bay Regional and St Joseph’s Hospital for caring for our dad. Special thanks to the nurses in the hospice ward….Kelsey, Steph, Jordan and Ryan….you all made his transition so comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
