David Walter Hicks

A proud 31-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, Dave wore the badge with honour and heart. Known to many on the job as “The Animal,” he earned his nickname through sheer presence, fearlessness, his larger-than-life persona, and never backing down from what he believed was right. Policing wasn’t just his career; it was his calling, and he served the city he loved with unwavering dedication.

It was also the job that introduced him to the love of his life. He met Lynda through what he liked to call a series of traffic stops and Highway Traffic Act offences. In true Dave fashion, he told her he’d look the other way if she agreed to go on a date with him. She did. The rest, as they say, is history.

Off-duty, Dave was a man of passions. He loved the unmistakable roar of his Corvettes, good music turned up just a little too loud, a drink poured just right, and the company of his friends, many of whom became family over the years. He adored his dogs, the backyard haven on Hemingway, and his true retirement years in Gananoque. He cherished his girls deeply, and showed his love in his own unmistakable way.

A self-described renegade, Dave lived on his own terms. He followed his own rules, trusted his instincts, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who he was. He was tough, funny, undeniably protective, and generous, with a sharp wit, great banter, and a bigger heart than he’d ever admit.

Dave leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and stories that will be told for generations; some of them quite unbelievable like a Hollywood movie, yet all of them unforgettable. He taught us to stand our ground, love fiercely, laugh often, and never take life too seriously.

He may have taken off the badge, parked the Corvette, and poured his last drink, but “The Animal” will never be forgotten. His spirit lives on in every roar of a Corvette engine, every shared laugh, and every moment of courage inspired by his life.

Rest easy, Dave. We’ve got it from here.

Help raise a toast to our old man on Friday January 2, 2026 at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 6199 Yonge Street in North York. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Celebration of Dave's Life will follow at 12:30 pm (additional parking across street and Centre Point Mall).

Committal will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, 33 Memory Gardens Lane in North York at 2:30 pm.

Reception will be held at Unionville Arms, 189 Main Street Unionville (Parking around back lot) at 3 pm.

To honour Dave’s life and service, those who served/ have served are respectfully invited to wear their uniform if able.

Donations in memory of Dave can be made to ‘Boots on the Ground‘.