Neal Hicks

Neal Griffin Hicks, a man of unwavering character, passed away on April 4, 2026, at his home in Parker, Colorado, he was 87 years old. Neal was born on October 15, 1938, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, to Dillard and Thelma. Neal lived a life of intellectual curiosity, generous service, and a gentlemanly grace that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Neal distinguished himself professionally as a faculty member and researcher at the University of Arizona's Environmental Research Lab, where he contributed meaningfully to the advancement of environmental science. His “retirement” career was spent as the executive director of the Tucson Zoological Society. His career reflected a deep commitment to knowledge and to the betterment of the world around him.

Neal always removed his fedora entering a building and was sure to don again before stepping back outside, a small reminder of the old-fashioned decorum that defined him. Neal was the model of a classic gentleman. In his “official” retirement, Neal devoted himself generously to his community and to the people he loved. He volunteered extensively at the Aurora, Colorado police department, serving in the 911 dispatch call center. When not volunteering, he could be found painting with watercolors, walking his dog, or being a role model to his family and friends. Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Hicks. He is survived by his two sons, Alan Hicks (wife Erica and children Cora and Eli) and Andrew Hicks (wife Amy and children Ivy and Dean), who will always do their best to carry forward the example of integrity and kindness their father set throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on June 20, 2026, at the East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona. Neal lived by a principle beautifully captured in the poem he shared with his sons, "The Man in the Glass" by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.: "He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, for he's with you, clear to the end, and you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test, if the man in the glass is your friend." Those who knew Neal understood that he had indeed passed that test. The man in the glass was his friend, and so was every soul fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of gifts, my father would be honored by donations to the Tucson Zoological Society (now Reid Park Zoological Society) or the Aurora Police department.

https://reidparkzoo.org/give/

https://aurorapolicefoundation.org/