Robert ‘Bob’ Hicks passed away peacefully in his sleep in Ottawa on 6th December, 2023 after a hard-fought battle. He was 75 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jean, son David, daughter Shelley, grandsons Malcolm and Felix, brothers Rick, Eric, John, and Bill, and sisters Marilyn and Wendy. He also leaves behind his buddy, Odie, the family dog.
Born in rural Nova Scotia, Bob spent his childhood near Halifax and later moved to Montreal and then Ottawa before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1968. He served Canada proudly for 35 years until retiring in 2003, and further worked as a civilian contractor until 2015 before enjoying full-time retirement. Bob was an avid fisherman (loved salmon fishing), computer enthusiast, ham radio operator, pilot, world traveller, and margarita connoisseur.
During his time in the Canadian Armed Forces he had a distinguished career as a Communicator Research 291, and in 1989 commissioned from the ranks to become Lieutenant (N) R.M. Hicks, CD. His work took him to a number of Comm Research hotspots near and far, including Ottawa, Kingston, Gander, Norfolk, Inuvik, Bermuda, Fort Meade, and several tours in Alert, NWT. Despite his East Coast roots and Navy background he never achieved his dream posting to Halifax, and chose to make Ottawa his permanent home when he retired.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be organized in Ottawa in the late spring or early summer of 2024, details to be forthcoming. If you are interested in receiving more information about this event, please sign up at bobhicks.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bruyère Foundation (bruyere.org/bruyere-foundation) or Ottawa Humane Society (ottawahumane.ca/donate).
Digital Guestbook
John Hicks
Mike and Sue Dithurbide
Jean, David, and Shelley, our deepest condolences. We will miss Bob at our monthly dinners and also our monthly "coffee" meetings at Liam Maguires. So many stories and so many good times over the years, rest in peace my friend.
Dave "Frankie" and Doreen Robertson
Never was a finer man conceived. A true Gem to his family, to his friends, and the Military he so honorably served. You'll be sadly missed, my friend.
Robyn Walsh
Dear Jean & Family,
I really enjoyed my chats with Bob, during the planning and after your reunion cruise with his siblings, Hicks Family Cruise in 2016.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you and sending condolence's from Nova Scotia to you and your loved ones.
Robyn Walsh
Bill Hicks
Forever in our hearts
Linda Bennett Waterworth
Much love to Jean and our Hicks family from Virginia
Amanda and Lily
So sorry to hear of this loss. Condolences to Jean David and Shelley
Paul and Bonnie Batchelor
Jean and family - so very sorry to hear about the very recent passing of Bob. Our paths crossed a number of times throughout our Military Service and I quickly gained an appreciation of his extensive knowledge, leadership attributes and sense of humour. Fond memories of shopping excursions to "Sears by the Sea". Stay strong.
Ray Lebeau
To Jean, David, Shelley, Family Members & Friends,
The members of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio (SUPRAD) System Oldtimers Association were deeply saddened by the news of Bob's passing. During his distinguished 35 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Bob made many lifelong friends. Because of his cherished friendships, he became a Life Member of our Association. It was always enjoyable to have chats with Bob, and to remember some of the more enjoyable escapades that we all shared along the way. When Bob recounted a story from years gone by, he did not leave out any of the humorous details. We never experienced a shortage of laughter. There is a Tree of Life in the entranceway of the CFS Leitrim All Ranks Mess. One of the leaves on the tree has Bob's name on it. Now, in loving memory of Bob, a small bronze cross will be affixed to his leaf. Please know that as members of your extended military family, we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
'Friends Forever'
Ray Lebeau
Doug Andrews
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Condolences to all Bob’s family.
Bob and I were best buddies in elementary school in Elmsvale near Middle Musquodoboit Nova Scotia. Bob and his family moved to Montreal and we lost all contact with each other, I met Bob’s brother in law Dave and his son Adam and a few years ago at car shows and just through conversations over the years and finding out Wendy’s maiden name was Hicks, and not knowing her,that she was Bob’s youngest sister because she was born after they left Elmsvale, I asked Adam who her family was and to my complete shock he told me, so last summer after never having any contact with Bob in over 60 years, I finally got to meet him and Rick when they were home for a visit and then again this summer at another car show. I’m so glad that we got to reunite after all those years. So my Dear Friend,Rest in Peace. You’ll be sorely missed but never forgotten.
You'll be missed Bob.