It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Hicks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. Brian leaves behind his loving wife, Norma Hicks; his children, Brad Plant (Alison Free) and Ashley McTernan (Jason McTernan); and his cherished grandsons, Marcus and Malcolm. He was predeceased by his father, George Hicks and his brother, Philip Hicks. He is survived by his mother, Esther Hicks; his sister, Marianne Gagnon (Mike Gagnon); his sister-in-law, Keiko Hicks; brother-in-law, Neil Farish (Dianne Marleau) and his nieces and nephews, Adam Hicks, Brian Hicks, Valerie Gagnon, and Paul Gagnon.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Brian was raised in a military family and had the opportunity to live in many places throughout his childhood, including Paris, France. These experiences helped foster in him a lifelong sense of curiosity, adventure, and appreciation for the world around him. As a young person, Brian was involved in Scouts and Air Cadets, interests that eventually led him to earn his pilot’s licence. He pursued his education at Dalhousie University before completing his Bachelor of Engineering at Carleton University. Brian’s love of adventure continued throughout his twenties when he backpacked extensively around the world. His travels took him to remarkable and far-flung places, including the Amazon River in Brazil and the Opium fields in Vietnam, experiences that remained part of the rich tapestry of his life.
Brian enjoyed a long and successful career as a civil engineer. He concluded his professional career with Transport Canada, where he was responsible for international bridge policy. His dedication and expertise made a lasting contribution to his profession and to public service.
Giving back to others was an important part of Brian’s life. For many years, he volunteered as a Big Brother, continuing his commitment to the organization even after starting a family of his own. He was also a dedicated blood donor, giving blood more than 160 times over his lifetime—a remarkable legacy of quietly helping others. Towards the end of his professional career and well into retirement, Brian volunteered with the Distress Centre of Ottawa, answering calls throughout the night for many years, and later serving on the Board of Directors.
Brian was an avid athlete and runner. Over the years, he completed marathons in Paris, Montreal, Ottawa, and Florida. He embraced an active life and especially enjoyed downhill skiing with his family, winter vacations in Florida and long bike rides. In retirement, Brian found great enjoyment on the golf course, spending time with friends and making the most of this new chapter of life.
Above all, Brian will be remembered for his kindness, patience, generosity and his deep care for those around him. He was well respected by colleagues, friends, and family alike and was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Brian lived a full and remarkable life and will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 10am – 2pm at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Vanier, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canada Blood Services or the Distress Center of Ottawa.
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