Donald Hicks

September 26, 2021

It is with heavy hearts and lots of tears that we had to say goodbye to a kind and loving father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. Donald Frederick Hicks passed away in Burnaby, B.C. on the 26th of September 2021 with family at his side.

‘Grandpa Don’ leaves behind his former wife Clara; their 5 children, Robert (Debra), Elizabeth (Gus), Deborah (Michael), Barbara (Ward) and Jon; his 4 grandchildren, Yowka, Jason, Kayla and Katelyn; 2 great grandchildren, Jayden and Cooper; beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Don was born in Tofield, Alberta in 1924 to his parents Harold and Elizabeth who emigrated from England. He was the middle child of his predeceased brothers Henry and Edward who were larger-than-life characters. After graduating high school in Edmonton, he attended the University of Alberta in 1943. He was called to service for WW2, enlisting in the army. When he returned from England he worked and continued his studies at the U of A, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948.

When the family moved to British Columbia, he worked in Victoria as a surveyor, where Don met Clara Kehn, in 1949, and they wed in 1950. The newlyweds moved to Vancouver, where he received his Bachelor of Arts from UBC in 1951, and became a social worker for the Province. After 8 years he joined the City of Burnaby as a personnel officer, and was Personnel Director until he retired in 1984. After a pretty good home life together with their 5 kids, Don and Clara decided to part ways in 1970. Not long after, he met Claudette Smith, and they enjoyed a long-lasting relationship until her passing in 2018.

Don loved to travel... to be close to his family & friends near and far. Many trips he took, 'making the rounds' all over BC to keep in touch.  He enjoyed visiting his friends and veterans in the local Canadian Legion for a pint or two. He enjoyed lunches with his army buddy "Minty", went to the veteran get-togethers in Alberta, and even drove out to see Claudette's Saskatchewan folks.  Don also loved his visits to relatives in England, Australia & United States.

   Don loved sports from his early athletic days, continuing with baseball, skiing, swimming, cycling, fishing....getting his kids involved too. The camping trips were favourite adventures. Bitten early by the photography bug, he was forever taking pictures and videos of people, (willing or not) and has left many, many photo albums and tapes to treasure. He also loved bowling, bridge & poker, Chinese food, and driving his old Mercury Grand Marquis, up to 94 years young. He battled cancer and pneumonia but always sprung back. Don was humorous with his sayings like “Do as I say, not as I do”, “See you later, alligator”, his uncle’s “and all that there”. Don was the life of a party, a truly lovable and kind person and will be sorely missed.

The family wishes to thank the Christmas Manor staff & his Fraser Health caregivers there for their dedication to providing Don with all the comfort he needed for 6 years. Also the family would like to thank the George Derby Centre for their compassionate care provided in his last 6 months.  A Celebration of Life is expected during the Summer.

Rest in Peace Grandpa Don!

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, a favorite charity of Don’s.

You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.

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