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
Eric Hicks
Mary Emanuel
Dear Jean, David and Shelley,
Nothing could ever have prepared you for the loss of Bob, husband and father. Let the memories of your life together bring you comfort and strength.
David Siscoe
Jean we were so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great Mate who could always be counted on to liven up any conversation. He will be missed.
Fair Winds - Following Seas my Friend
Don Forbes
shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing - enjoyed the time spent together throughout our military careers as 291ers and CELE officers - to Jean and family my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of times
michael HENICK
although I released from the 291er trade in 1981, I remember bob very fondly. he was so dedicated to his tasks and just a wonderful person personally.. our condolences to bobs family... he lived a good life and personally, he was a memorable person..
Thanks for being a great brother, Bob.