Charles "Richard" Hicks

Richard “Rich” Hicks, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, at his home in Fair Oaks, California, surrounded by his family listening to his favorite music by Frank Sinatra. A full military honors tribute will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Court of Honor at Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary in Fair Oaks. His remains will also be laid to rest with his late wife, Antonie “Toni” Rothchild Hicks, at Pioneer Cemetery near his previous home in Boise, Idaho.

Richard was born Charles Richard Hicks on March 31, 1928, in Butte, Montana, to Harry "Red" and Ella Mae (Grover) Hicks. The family moved to Vallejo, California, in 1930, and Rich spent the next 48 years living in Vallejo and Napa.

Richard graduated from Vallejo High School in 1946 and went on to receive an Associate of Arts degree from Napa College where he played football, the sport he loved so much. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S Navy and served during World War II until December 1947. After a couple of years, he was called back to active duty as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class with HOW Company, 3rd Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and served during the Korean War. Under severe winter weather, Rich fought in the infamous Battle of Chosin Reservoir, serving under General Chesty Puller, where he was wounded by a grenade and subsequently awarded the prestigious Purple Heart upon his discharge. Rich also received the Korean Ribbon, Japanese Occupation Citation, and Presidential Unit Citation. In September 2023, Rich was presented with the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal at the California Capital Airshow. He remained committed to his beloved Marine Corps until his passing. As his favorite hat says, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

In his early years, Rich was employed by the City of Vallejo as a fireman and then worked many years at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, first as a Patternmaker, and then as a Quality Control Engineer on the nuclear submarine fleet. He moved to Elma, Washington, for a job opportunity with Washington Power Public Power Supply System, and then his professional journey took him to Boise, Idaho, in 1980 to work as a Quality Control/Quality Assurance Engineer with Morrison-Knudson (MK). In March 1984, Rich and Toni married, and began an enduring partnership that spanned nearly four decades.

Upon his successful tenure at MK, Rich retired in Boise and he and Toni enjoyed life to the fullest. Rich spent his free time doing woodworking, gardening, playing cards, golfing, traveling, and volunteering with Animals in Distress, a non-profit cause very close to him and Toni caring for Idaho’s orphaned and injured wildlife. One of Rich and Toni’s favorite places to spend time was their Lake house in McCall, Idaho, where they made memories against the backdrop of Idaho’s beautiful mountains and lakes. They shared the lake house and good times with Rich’s brother-in law and sister-in-law, Roger and Mady Schmitt.

Following the passing of his wife Toni in June 2021, Rich relocated with his two dogs and one cat to Fair Oaks in May 2022, to reside near his family. He had his beloved pond recreated, and he continued his projects and woodworking. Rich was known for his toughness and resilience, traits that served him well throughout his life. He had a strong will to live and an active lifestyle, which he pursued through his dedication to his family, career, and his animals. Rich remained dedicated to embracing life to the fullest and making the most of his remaining time with his family. Richard Hicks left a legacy that will live on through the generations that follow him. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Rich is survived by his five children: Kristine Whitt, Kori (Ron) James, Ron (Belen) Hicks, Kelly Hicks, and Kent (Kelly) Hicks. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Livestream link: https://evt.live/richard-hicks