Fred Hicks passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family at WRHN @ Midtown in Kitchener, ON. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ruth Hicks, and his cherished sons Dave (Vicky) and Dan (Brenda). Fred was a loving grandpa to Adam and Corbin, and a dear brother to Elinor Hicks (Jack) and Robert (late Rejeanne). He will be missed by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ron West, Irene Pozzo (Peter), and the late Stan West (Beth). Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will fondly remember Fred. His is also survived by his cat Bandit. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at WRHN @ Midtown for their care and support.
Fred’s journey began in Picton, Ontario, where he developed a lifelong pride in his Prince Edward County roots – a pride that blossomed into a passionate pursuit of genealogy, tracing the branches of his family and extended family trees back through the generations. Though his dreams of becoming a pilot were grounded by the cancellation of the Avro Arrow project, Fred’s adaptability led him to graduate from Ryerson as a Civil Engineer Technologist. He dedicated 30 years of service to the Ministry of the Environment, leaving a lasting impact on his field.
Fred’s greatest adventure began when he met his sweetheart Ruth, a nurse, in Sault Ste Marie. This year, they celebrated an incredible 60 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life in Kitchener/Waterloo, where they raised their family. An avid animal lover, Fred cherished his pets, and his backyard was a testament to his love for nature, always bustling with birds and wildlife.
Fred’s love for the open water led him to captain his sailboat with his family by his side. His passion for sailing extended beyond personal enjoyment, leading him to dedicate years to instructing courses through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, sharing his nautical expertise with fellow enthusiasts.
Fred’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He dedicated countless hours to organizations such as Crime Stoppers (National, Ontario and Waterloo chapters),amateur radio clubs, CARP and Scouts Canada. Fred’s enthusiasm for technology made him a pioneer in the digital world, hosting one of the first ‘bulletin boards’ (preinternet) in the K-W region. His selfless contributions touched many lives and left an indelible mark on his community.
Fred’s kindness, dedication, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created with family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. Fred’s family received relatives and friends from 2:30 –5 p.m., on Sunday September 14, 2025, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the WRHN – Cancer Center or Pet Patrol (Elmira) Inc. would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Fred’s memorial.