With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our Husband and Father, Robert (Bob) Wayne Hicks, age 83, on Saturday, April 27, 2019. He was born November 21, 1935 in Sault Ste. Marie. Son of the late Edward and Mary Hicks. Bob was the youngest of eight siblings who loved him very much. He married the love of his life, Jeannine, 60 years ago with whom he raised 3 children, 5 grandchildren and many canine babies. Bob and Jeannine had 3 biological children but cared for many more be it neighborhood children, nieces or nephews. The house he built on Allen Side Rd. was a safe haven for many. He was a Master Pattern Maker in the Algoma Steel Foundry for 36 years, where he eventually adopted a four-day work week. Dad was a thinker and excelled at many things. In his retirement he made many friends through curling, golf, his time at Pine Crest Camp Ground, in Thessalon, and the Cambrian Mall Coffee Club. He was a tropical fish enthusiast, taught himself to use a computer, which kept him busy even after he lost his sight. He carved award winning water fowl, was a finishing carpenter, a sports enthusiast and enjoyed cheering his grandchildren on.
Bob is survived by his wife Jeannine (Gibbs), daughter Lana Hicks (Sam Degregorio), sons Robert Hicks (Karen Major), Michael Hicks (Kim), Grandchildren Mindy Degregorio, Nathan Degregorio (Olivia Evans), Katie Hicks (Spencer Flock), Courtney Hicks and our little gem Maddison Hicks. He is also survived by his sisters Eva Bovingdon (Bill) and Evelyn Dunn (Charlie), sisters-in-law Donna Borghese (Carmen) and Debbie Trudel (Ivan), brothers-in-law Irvy Gibbs (late Joan), Earl Gibbs (Louise) and Don Gibbs (Joan). Bob was a special uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bob is predeceased by his parents Edward and Mary Hicks his sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Kirby (late Bill) and Mary Lethbridge (late Bill), his brothers Ted Hicks (Ann), Art Hicks (late Gwen) and Norman Hicks (late Mary). His in Laws Earl (Scrubby) Gibbs Sr. and Genevieve Gibbs, sisters-in-law Earlyn Pickard (late Stanley), Marie (Dickie) Barrow (late Bill), Sandi Rector (Hervy) and Brothers-in-law Lorne Gibbs and Gerald (Buddie) Gibbs (Ginger).
A private family gathering has been held. Memorial donations made to the CNIB or Canadian Hearing Society would be appreciated by family. The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to the many dedicated health care workers who provided their understanding and care to our father during his stay at the Sault Area Hospital. In our opinion the nurses and PSW’s on 3B are rock stars. Arrangements entrusted to the Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758).