Thomas Joseph Hicks
May 3, 2018
Thomas Joseph Hicks, of London, departed this world, surrounded by family, after a bravely fought battle. His passing was a mirror of his life: courageous and brimming with love. He was the beloved son of Joseph and Helen Hicks, of Sarnia. He spent his childhood in Sarnia, where he whiled away his time on the lake boating with family, cottaging, and riding horses. He graduated from Central High School in Sarnia and spent his university years in Montreal, where he began his aviation career with Canada Air and then moved on to Toronto, and finally to London, where he settled down with his wife and life partner, Rita. Together they loved travelling the world and raising their two daughters, Grace and Eva, who were the light and pride of Tom’s life. His family and friends knew him only as a kind and mild-mannered man who was known for his long entertaining stories, intelligence, quick sense of humour, laughter and love. One of Tom’s main hobbies involved rebuilding and driving classic cars. Many summer evenings were spent cruising in his classic cars, especially his ’64 Chevelle wagon with road trips to national car meets, where he won his share of medals. If he wasn’t driving old cars, he was spectating at Sprint car races where he took great interest in writing articles about the drivers and their cars. Tom will be missed by his mother-in-law, Joan; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Teresa (Frank), Mary (Peter), Vince (Julie); many nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his father, Joseph (2010), mother, Helen (2015) and father-in-law, Kevin (2017). The family would like to thank Dr. David MacDonald at LHSC for many years of excellent care and Parkwood Institute for their compassion and professionalism. A Celebration of Life will be held at UPS “N” DOWNS, 226 North Front Street, Sarnia on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Tom are asked to consider the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
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(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
Tom became my best friend as a young boy, as we both attended London Road Public School, in Sarnia, ON, in 1961. We had a classic teacher, Ms. Ewart, who provided us with the simple lesson of treating each other with respect. We all learned that lesson, and over the years I have maintained that with Tom. We maintained our friendship, a very special friendship, that I'm proud to say was truly the best. I'm sad with Tom's passing, but I'm proud to have spent so much time with him throughout all his time here. He was a beautiful person, who I loved as a friend. I will miss him very much.
Dear Rita and girls: My heart was saddened to read the news about Tom. I was so hoping that Tom would rally back and recover. Tom and my husband, Bruce, were roommates on the neuro unit at UH and then patients together at Parkwood. It was so hard to see our loved one struggle with brain tumours. Tom loved his family....it was always apparent. Even though Bruce and Tom could not win their battles, they are forever in our hearts and I can still see the two of them smiling and giving us wives the stink eye. My thoughts are with you all.
I was in a grade 13 Math class at Central High School in Sarnia with Tom. I remember one time when he parked his his bicycle at my grandparents house at 187 Exmouth as he wanted to watch the football game at Norman Perry park. So sorry to hear of his passing.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Tom. Myself and a friend of mine Kester Lake got to know Tom as we saw him at numerous race events. He was always a good guy to be near and had an encouraging word for everyone. He certainly love the race community and also his photography at those events! I know he will be missed dearly by many people . I would appreciate knowing of the celebration of life, once any arrangements are made for that. Dale and Alice Smith
Rita and girls. My deepest condolences during this time. You are in my thoughts.
Rita and girls... Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you at this very sad time. Hugs.. RIP Tom
Rita and family: So sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Love your cousin Elizabeth
Rita and family ; Saddened to hear about your husband Tom . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cousin Catherine Skokun and Tony
Rita, girls and family My condolences. I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I hope you can treasure the good memories. I would love to see you for a walk along the waterfront or Skeeters when you are free.
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Rita and family I am so saddened to hear this. Know that we are all thinking of you and sending our love.
~ April