Bruce HICKS (1939-2021)
It is with great sadness that we wish to announce the peaceful passing of Bruce Hicks.
He will forever be in the hearts of his wife Gail; his children Kimberly (Bjarki Hallgrimsson), Randy (Laurie LeGallais) and Jamie; his grandchildren Björn, Kaj, Simon and Gabrielle; and his nephew Scott (Shelly Jackson) and niece Elaine (Robert Reaper) who became part of the family fold at a young age. Bruce also leaves behind his sister Joy (Keith McBain), his sisters-in law Diane and Barbara (Ted Knight) and cherished nieces and nephews whose company he always enjoyed.
Bruce was born on February 13, 1939 in Quebec City to Freeda McKinley and William Hicks of Valcartier Village. He was the youngest of seven children, with four sisters (Willa, Shirley, Norma and Joy) and two brothers (Lynn and Conrad). Bruce passed away on July 8 at the Garry J. Armstrong Long-Term Care Home in Ottawa after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1961, Bruce married the love of his life, Gail. They had almost 60 years together of building memories and celebrating milestones. They never missed a chance to hit the dance floor, which is where their love story began. Even as his memory faded, Bruce always responded to the music that they enjoyed together as dance partners. Throughout their married life, they loved to spend time with family and friends, play cards, fish, sing and travel. Enjoying life to the fullest is very much part of who Bruce was, especially with Gail by his side. Anyone who knew Bruce will also tell you he loved to laugh and was a brilliant prankster. He seemed to always have a twinkle in his eye, a grin on his face and a funny story to tell. His laugh was infectious.
He will also forever be remembered as a kind, caring and personable man who had time for everyone, be they close friends or people he just met. He had a true gift for making people feel comfortable in his presence, and for helping people in whatever way he could.
In 2009, Bruce received the Moe Rosenhek Award for his outstanding contribution to volunteerism within Quebec City’s English-speaking community. This award was in recognition of his many years of service to several community foundations and attested to his innate desire to help others.
Bruce served as secretary-treasurer for the Valcartier Village Municipality for 17 years and worked for 40 years at Daishowa (formerly Anglo Pulp & Paper) until he retired at the age of 59. Sadly, Bruce was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the beginning of 2011. In 2014, he bravely agreed to be part of a clinical trial at Toronto Western Hospital to study the effect of deep brain stimulation on the memory portion of the brain for treating Alzheimer’s patients. We remain grateful to him for his participation in this study, as we feel it gave us all some added quality time together. Unfortunately, as with all who suffer from Alzheimer’s, Bruce continued to lose his memory and his cognitive function declined. His final and lasting gift to his family, and to those impacted by this horrible disease, is the donation of his brain for Alzheimer’s research.
Aside from his beloved family, Bruce’s greatest joy in life were his friends who spanned all age groups. In 1995, when Bruce was about to become a grandpa, the Quebec Chronicle- Telegraph’s “Newsy Notes” included this mention: “We hear that Bruce’s many friends are agonizing over a question so difficult that the upcoming referendum pales in comparison. This is: Now that Bruce is about to become a grandfather, will this be the year that he finally starts to act his age?” As a family, we feel this summarizes Dad’s/Grandpa’s character perfectly. And, in answer to this question from 1995, the response is “Fortunately, no!” Thank you to our dear family and friends for your love and support throughout this journey. Thank you as well to the wonderful staff at Garry J. Armstrong who were so compassionate and professional. Although Bruce could no longer articulate his appreciation, he could certainly feel the kindness and care you provided.
A private family visitation took place on July 12 at Beechwood Funeral Home and a celebra- tion of Bruce’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (Alzheimer.ca) or to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, which has a dedicated focus on Alzheimer’s research (camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/camhs-world-leading-alzheimers-research), would be greatly appreciated.
It was a wonderful summer when Bruce and Gail Hicks, Kimberley, Randy and Jamie came to visit us in Kelowna, BC. Bruce was the nicest kindest guy. His mother Freeda McKinley was first cousin to my grandpa Wilfred Goodfellow, of Valcartier, Quebec. Rest In Peace.
Jill Goodfellow Wanklyn( Wilma Goodfellow’s daughter).
My sincere condolences to you and your family Kim. I remember your dad being such a nice man who was very kind to my brother when my dad passed away.
Our most sincere condolences to Gail and all the Hicks family! We are deeply saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing! He always had the best smile and hearty laughs! May he rest in peace ?
Hugs, Martha and Tim Kelly
To Gail and Family! I can honestly feel your pain!
Bruce was a very special person and gave so much of himself to his community and probably much more to his family. I have so many reason to remember Bruce, but my first would be when he gave me my first paycheck, and told me that I should frame it! He was always kind, supportive and generous. Living through Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest things in the world to do, he was very lucky to have the support that he did. His memories may have left him but they will always remained tucked inside your hearts. Wishing you all love and courage! Thank you Bruce for being you!!
Sudhir and I are so sorry for the loss of your dad . We only met him a few times but he was always smiling !
Our deepest condolences to Gail and family….. Bruce was an incredibly wonderful man and will me deeply missed by all. We have nothing but fond memories of Bruce and his wicked sense of humor and kind, humble and generous gestures to all.
Jimmy & Christina Sheridan
Our sincere condolences to Gail and family.. Bruce was a very friendly person to everyone he met.. he will be missed.. his smile was infectious to all..
Sincere sympathies to Gail and all the family! Bruce was one of a kind and enjoyed life to the fullest! May all your memories of him comfort you!
Our deepest sympathy to Gail and family Bruce was a wonderful man you have a lot to be proud of He will always be remembered for is great sense of humour We all have wonderful memories
Maureen Angie and Jim Maher
Sincere condolences to all the Hicks family. We will always remember Bruce for his kindness and laughter. May your memories bring you comfort.
Fern and Tommy
Dear Gail and family,
Our sincere condolences. Bruce was a great guy, many wise words, very kind and of course a joke or two. He will be missed.
Jayne Doddridge (Jacques, Emma & Elliot Perreault)
My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. I have fond memories of you all and especially Bruce’s sense of humour . ❤️
May Bruce Rest In Peace and rise again in glory. Love to all of his family.
Bradley and Denizey
My sincere sympathy to you all.Bruce was a dear friend of mine from his childhood and I have great memories of him. Sincerely Marjorie McCoubrey
Sending all our love your way Gail, and family. Sounds like Bruce has left a legacy of kindness, humour and love. I will remember how good was at teasing me, and always so interesting to talk to. Rest peacefully Bruce xxx
Our sincere condolences to the Hicks family. A one of a kind gentleman who has brought good memories to many.
Nathalie and Andrew DePippo
Gail, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I remember Bruce as being such a friendly, wonderful person. My brother, Larry Lazarovitz, has been in a long term facility in Montreal with the same condition. It is so very sad to see our loved ones in such condition.
Dorothy Marcil Renfroe (your sister Barbara’s friend from the past.
We were so blessed the day Bruce and Gail moved in next door. The best neighbors one could ever ask for. We miss you, Bruce. Sending much love to the family.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to “Auntie” Gail and family.
I had the honour to chat/joke with Bruce during the last year of Gail’s “bus driving career” at VES and it was always a pleasure to see him after Gail’s retirement. A wonderful, intelligent man with a great sense of humour! He will be deeply missed by all.
Kathryn Potts
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our thoughts and deep sympathy are with Gail and her family. For those of us who worked with Bruce, fond memories are be for his considerate and helpful demeanor towards solving problems together with a quick wit and humour which he used with great effect to lighten and brighten any day. He simply made the world a better place.
Duncan and Sandie Anderson
Gail, Kim and Randy and family, our sincere condolences. Bruce had a great sense of humour and we really enjoyed the parties in Valcartier with him. RIP Bruce.
Dale & Wendy McCoubrey
Gail and family,
Words can’t express how sorry I am to hear of Bruce’s passing. Each and every memory I have of him have to do with his sense of humor and how he could always make people laugh. He was definitely one of the good ones.
Debbie Monaghan
Condolences from Montreal, to the family and remembering a familiar person of the Quebec High English community.
My deepest condolences Auntie Gail, Kim, Randy, Scott, Elaine, and your families.
Uncle Bruce was such an incredible joy to be around. He was a bright light to me. I always looked for uncle Bruce at all the family events. His caring charm and humour was a great treat. I loved my time with him and all of his teasing. I have missed seeing him and all of you over these past many years.
Much love
Lisa