Merton HICKS

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HICKS: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our husband, father and grandfather, Merton Orvin Hicks at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday evening November 27th, 2010 at the age of 85 years. He was predeceased by his parents Garnet (1982) and Alice Hicks (1928) of Killarney, Manitoba and his step mother Myrtle (1989). He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Joy and their son Mark, and his wife Diane of St. Albert, Alberta, and their three children Kurtis, Kristopher and Kathryn, all who live in St. Albert, Alberta. Merton or just "Mert" as he was known to most, lived a very full life. He was born at home in Ninga, Manitoba, September 30th 1925, the only offspring of Garnet and Alice Hicks. He attended elementary and high school in Ninga and like many young men during the Second World War joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in support of his country. After his time in the military he took up the Watch Making trade and subsequently became a Graduate Jeweler. Mert lived in a number of places early in his career, Winnipeg, where he met and married his wife Joy, Regina, where their son Mark was born, and finally Brandon where he and Joy have resided for the past 52 years... He joined Ted Duffield, his friend and future business partner, and moved to Brandon in 1958 to be involved with the management of Reesor's Jewellery, a longtime successful Brandon business. His wife Joy was also close by his side working with him for decades. Mert was active in the business community throughout his career in Brandon. Merton was a physically active man, barely sick a day in his entire life. In the Air Force he was a renowned baseball player. He swam, golfed, bowled, and played baseball to name a few sports, he was even curling into his 80s, only stopping at 82, because he was concerned one of these days he would slip on the ice, not because he could not do it. Mert was an active member of the Brandon Lions Club for decades, happily involving himself in many of their community events. He was also very proud of his involvement with a small group of Brandon businessmen in the establishment in 1960 of Brandosa Beach at Lake Minnedosa, a vibrant summer community that holds happy fun memories for many people of Brandon and surrounding area. The family continues to have a summer cottage at Brandosa Beach. Mert loved watching his three grandchildren enjoy the various lake activities on and off the water and was always so pleased that his foresight for the cottage would result in such pleasure for his family. Merton will be remembered as a kind loving man who was always willing to lend a friend a hand and help others. He had a clear concept of principles by which he lived his life and would be considered by most to have been a gentleman in the true definition. Mert taught his son the value of a work ethic and right from wrong, and was always proud of Mark's endeavors in school, sport and business which he will never forget. The family extends its most sincere thanks to the Hospitalist Doctors, along with the nursing staff and the health care aides of 400 and ICU at the Brandon General Hospital, as well as the staff of "We Care" for the care they all afforded our husband, father, and grandfather over thepast five months. Merton felt special and knew that you all cared about him and his well being. After cremation, a memorial service and celebration of Merton's life will be held at Central United Church, 327- 8th Street, Brandon, at 10 a.m. on Saturday December 4th, 2010. Rev. Shannon McCarthy will officiate. His Interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will be open to all and will be followed by a light lunch at the church after the Interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Manitoba Lung Association, #8 - 940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 0P6 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3, 824 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5B7.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 04, 2010