Obituary of Thomas Joseph Hicks

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.