Franklin Clare Hicks

April 18, 1954 - October 8, 2023

Surrounded by love and broken hearts, Frank passed peacefully in the night with his family by his side.

Frank was born on Easter Sunday 1954. This must have set in place his love of gathering with family (and turkey dinners). He passed on Thanksgiving Sunday, perhaps with the comfort of knowing his family members were together.

Frank will be forever loved and missed by his wife Carol (nee Robbins) of 44 years. Adored father of Kristin (Jason Scourse) and Amy Jean (Joal Suraci). Cherished Grandpa to Riley, Briar, Lowen, and Solomon. Welcomed into the loving arms of his father and mother, the late Eric and Diana Hicks. Beloved brother to his four sisters, Kathy Conway (Neil), Karen Belanger (Denis), Nancy Underhill (Gary), and Iris Hicks. Loved son-in-law of Jean Robbins (late Clarence), and brother-in-law to Ken Robbins and Linda Stevenson (Alex). Frank is survived by his adored aunt Catherine Campbell (Lawrence). He is predeceased by his loving aunts and uncles Shirley and Grant McKay, Lois and Frank Crowder, Alma and Bill Winsor, Howard and Wilma Hicks, Beulah and Fred Haldenby, and Earl and Vera Hicks. Frank will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Teresa Ferguson (Jon), Ryan O’Reilly (Sophie), Patric Belanger (Tiffany), Daniel Underhill (Morgan), Annie Cedolia (Benjamin) Nathan Underhill (Wendy) and Katie Kahtava (Peter), Justin Robbins (Maddy), Samantha Hunt (Kyle), and Luke Stevenson. He loved them all. Frank loved his many cousins - Bobby, Gwen, Chuck, late Patti, Emily, Marion, Albert, Janice, late Holly, Clair, Alex, Ruth, Danny, Paul, Lillian, Janet, Sherry, Ted, Jeff, Eric, Shalmir, and their spouses. He will be missed by many friends, neighbours, and co-workers.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the caring staff of the Island Medical Clinic, Matthews Memorial Hospital, and Sault Area Hospital, as well as Justin of McKay’s Island Pharmacy. Special thank you to the angels that walk among us, Dr. Ladak, Dr. Chung, Dr. Apostle, and Dr. Woolner, and nurses Nathan, McKenna, Janice, Cass (3C), and Andrew, Marissa, Cas, Luke, Cheryl, Kendra, Reggie (3A). We are so very grateful for your care and compassion.

Frank was a proud member of the Desbarats community. He was a local farmer, member of council, mail courier, member of the volunteer fire department, and enjoyed many years volunteering and attending community events. Frank was a kind, gentle, and good man. He loved to hear a great story. His bonfires were second to none. We will forever miss his laugh and smile. We have no doubt that Frank was comforted in knowing his family and friends gathered around him to share their love and memories in his last days.

As per Frank’s request, cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 5th 2023 at the Johnson Township Community Centre in Desbarats from 2pm-6pm. A private family burial will take place in the future. Memorial donations may be made to the Johnson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Matthews Memorial Hospital Association, and Sault Area Hospital Foundation.

“I hope death is like being carried to your bedroom when you were a child, after falling asleep on the couch during a family party. I hope you can still hear the laughter from the next room.”

Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Hicks family.