Douglas Hicks

HICKS: Charles Douglas (Doug) passed away peacefully at the Coronach and District Health Centre, with his family by his side, on September 29, 2014. He was born on August 10, 1934 on the family farm at Buffalo Gap. He was the 8th child to Orval and Hazel Hicks and big brother to the four that followed.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Orval and Hazel, in-laws John and Olivia Dosch, siblings, Kathaleen, Dale, Laverne, Dean, Wayne, and Dolly as well as two sisters, Beryl and Sharon in childhood. Doug leaves to mourn his loving wife and constant companion of 54 years, Deloris, and their five children: Debra, husband Martin Borgerson, their children Darren, wife Krista and their children Riley and Jada and daughter Carly and boyfriend Riley; daughter Dawn, husband Michael Fister, and their children Dustin, fiancé, Karlee and son Stryker; Kimberly, husband Noah and children, Sawyer, Lux and Dillon and girlfriend Ashley; son Dennis, special friend, Tammy and his three sons, Jessie, wife Yana and son Blade, sons Cole and Alex and their mother, Theresa; son Danny; daughter Deidre, husband Chris Durell and their daughters, Hunter and Kaisyn. Doug is also survived by sisters Velda, (Lorne) and Shirley (Marvin), brother Butch (Elaine) and many nieces and nephews.

Doug grew up on the family farm and attended school at Buffalo Gap. As was the norm in those days, he left school early and entered the work force. At the tender age of 14, he packed up and headed for BC to run a logging truck in the bush. Doug returned to Saskatchewan and was the elevator agent at the Pool Elevator in Richie when he met Deloris. They were married on August 20, 1960. When they were first married, Doug and Deloris lived in Regina where Doug worked at a service station and where they welcomed Debra to the family. They then moved to Lethbridge where Doug worked at Benny’s Car Dealership. Unsure of medical insurance in Alberta, Deloris made the trip home to deliver Dawn in Coronach. They soon moved back to Coronach where Doug worked for Dwain Willford at Dwain’s Plumbing. Dennis was born during this time. Doug then entered into a partnership with his friend, Donnie Clark and father-in-law John Dosch to open a Massey Ferguson dealership in Coronach. When Dennis was about 2, the family moved to the Harrison Sherwin farm west of town. Danny and Deidre were the last two additions to the family, bringing the total to five.

Doug expanded his work load with the addition of D&D Trucking. His fleet of gravel trucks, a loader, dozer and a gravel crushing machine kept him busy. Doug and Deloris enjoyed many, many hours together on the golf course. Sadly, it was golf that caused an unwelcome turn for Doug. In 1987, he was hit with a golf ball that caused serious injuries, forcing the end of his working career. Doug and Deloris moved to town a year or so after the accident, first to Dosch’s big house and then into the “little house”, their current home. Just because he didn’t work didn’t mean he didn’t keep busy. Doug was a jack of all trades and between golf games he loved to fix things. Doug spent many hours volunteering at the golf course cutting grass and cruising the streets of Coronach! He loved to play ball in his youth and then to follow the Blue Jays. He had a great love for music, especially George Jones and Randy Travis and loved to strum his Gibson Guitar. Doug spent lots of time cooking for his kids and grandkids when Deloris was away at work.

Doug battled cancer for over 15 years, with the last few months being very difficult for him and his family. He was a man of many passions, with the biggest being his wife, Deloris. She has been a faithful companion and loving caregiver for many years. Doug enjoyed the company of his family and his loving grandchildren, his one wish was that his grandchildren be all together. His joking ways and quick wit will be missed by them all.

A private family graveside service was held on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery with Doug’s niece, Kelly Elder, officiating and delivering the tribute. A gathering for family and friends followed at the Coronach Community Hall. Donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Coronach Golf Club. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.