Howard Allen Hicks

June 5 1950 - March 24 2017.

His family is saddened to announce his sudden death.

Born and raised in Saskatoon he went to school here, worked here and died here. His love of hockey began at an early age with many skating and shooting drills on a back yard hockey rink that our parents so lovingly made for us. He was a defenseman and played minor hockey in his younger years and then played junior hockey for a few teams including the Saskatoon Blades and the Kenora Muskies. He coached minor hockey - he was a junior hockey scout and had a short career when he lived in LaRonge as a hockey colour commentator for the LaRonge Ice Wolves working with his son. He was an avid Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Blue Jays fan. He was a business man - managing The Stick Shop and Howie's Sports Shop. He then started working at the City of Saskatoon, where he retired.

Howie was a kind man, funny and engaging, sensitive and intuitive and we had many intelligent conversations with him about sports and politics. He enjoyed a daily crossword and the occasional sappy movie. He loved his family unconditionally and always reminded us of that. As one person said, he was a true friend with a big heart.

He is survived by his son, Dallas; daughter, Stacey (Blake) and their mother, Sue; grandchildren, Parker, Hailey, Katelyn and Maya; sister Jan (Ron) Niekamp; one Uncle in Winnipeg and one Aunt in McKinney, TX; numerous cousins; and a multitude of people who called him 'Hawk' - and friend.

We hope he died knowing how much we loved him but our love alone could not save him.

Howie was afflicted with the disease of alcoholism and although he had many years of sobriety the latest relapse ended his life. He fought hard all his life to conquer this 'demon' but in the end it wouldn't let go of him. He always told us that we must allow an alcoholic his dignity and until his death we all tried to honour those words. If you love someone who has this disease and is actively drinking, we feel your pain - as Howie used to say, hate the disease and not the person.

There will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place. He's finally at peace and as his late mother would say, "Your troubles are over". Our lives have been profoundly altered due to the way he died and we will never be the same again. All those who loved him and looked up to him, celebrate his life in your own way. Arrangements entrusted to Acadia-McKague Funeral Centre (306.955.1600).