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Gabriel Hicks Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kim
June 27, 2010
Remembering and Honoring My DAD
(Kim's words shared on May 24, 2010)
You were truly blessed if Daddy crossed your path on your life's journey. He made each of us a better person and enriched our life because he was part of it. Daddy touched the life of so many, both directly and indirectly through family members and friends. He was a mentor, teacher, coach and collegue, a friend, cousin, an uncle, brother, and son, a grandfather, husband, and the most wonderful DAD!
Family was Daddy's heart and fishing became his fun, but football was his passion. In football terms, Dad's record was many yards gained, a life of touchdowns and wins. To me, his life was a rich and perfect season, full of God's blessings; nothing short of a winner. He will always be my lifelong hero and my biggest fan. Others will remember him as a truly good man.
Now I'd like to tell our story~
Daddy was the first guy to ever love me and to sweep me off my feet. He showed me love and tenderness, taught me wisdom and grace, and he planted scratchy whisker kisses on my face. He was the first guy to take me seriously and was the best friend I ever had. He was the first man I ever gave my heart to . . . Today, my heart is weeping because I MISS YOU, DAD.
You taught me to love unconditionally and to give of myself; to make memories to share with someone else. In high school, I met a great guy. You said you didn't want to share me, but soon after you met him you understood why. I told you my heart had room enough for two. The love I have for him is different than the love I have for you. Your generous heart loved him like a son. You knew our hearts had more to give because we were not yet done. Later, that great guy and I gave you three grandsons (Scotty, Zach, and Storm) whom you adored. You loved them and taught them to be like you. They are a blessed gift and your legacy, too.
You often said you were very blessed, because you got to be my dad. But I was the one who was blessed with a precious gift, because I got to be your daughter! My Heavenly Father provided for me an earthly father who I will always be proud to call my DAD. Nothing can diminish the wonderful ways you touched my life. Daddy, how I love and how I live are a tribute to you, because you were my "coach," too!
ALWAYS LOVING YOU and thinking of you, DADDY, until we meet again,
~Kim
June 13, 2010
I miss you, Cuz. I so enjoyed our late night conversations and learned a lot from you. Thank you for getting the family together at Amy's. It was so good to see you and brought back many childhood memories. May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort Joan and the family with His love and presence. I love you, Cuz. Harriette "Wee Baby" Powell (Gainesville, VA)
Pat Hobbs
June 9, 2010
Joan, I am so sorry to hear about Gabe. I would like to get together with you as soon as possible. My prayers are with you through this hard time. Please feel free to call any time,
Michael Prindes
June 2, 2010
I am so sorry for your family's lost. Gabe touched so many lives in many ways. Every time i ran in to him he brought a smile to my face. Was a great old school football coach, wish there were more like him. Will be missed by many.
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Denise Hicks
May 31, 2010
Poppy,
You were a wonderful father in law !!! I want to thank you for being such a great Dad and Grandfather. Chip and I will always be so thankful for all the talks and advice you gave us. I will never forget the wonderful chats we had and fishing with you. (Thanks for letting a girl on your boat) You were so wise and loving! You will be missed so much, but I see you in Chip everyday and I will cherish that. We love you with all our heart
All My Love,
Denise
Chip Hicks
May 30, 2010
Dad,
You have always been my life’s compass. Thanks for being an awesome inspiration and positive influence to me and so many young men and women throughout the community. You have helped all of us move the chains to gain first downs and overcome life’s obstacles leading us to scores and victories on and off the field!
Goal-oriented and passionate in your pursuits you worked hard and had fun…and you lived strong! You will forever live strong in each of us whose lives you have touched!! All of us have been touched by an angel, the Angel Gabriel, in you!!!
You’re a winner, Dad…victorious in life, rich in love and tradition, and gifted in enriching our lives. You prepared well, you prepared us well, and we are now prepared to carry on, to carry the ball with strength in the everlasting memories of being together with you in the fields pulling tobacco (with The Campbell’s), under the lights on Friday nights (at Midlo and Matoaca High Schools), hunting for big bucks (on A.P. Hill), fishing for citation bass (on Lake Margaret, Lake Chester and Lee’s Mill Pond), boating with the kids (on Lake Chesdin), and the frequent family cookouts…complete with fish and venison that we had a hand in harvesting together. I think about these experiences every day, and I’ll be seeing you. Until we meet again I have the ball you passed to me, and I will “rise to the occasion” as you have always inspired me.
Dad, you are the man, the best man anyone could ever wish for in a father - you are my best friend, My Best Man! I am delighted to be your son, and it has been a true blessing, a real privilege and an honor to be with you these many years. Thanks for everything and take good care! I love you, Dad, and I always will!!
Very truly yours,
Chip
Susan Kyle
May 28, 2010
Kim,
We are so sorry for the recent loss of your Dad...and to Stormy for the loss of his Grandfather.
Susan Kyle & Peyton McClaugherty
May 26, 2010
Joan - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Gabe is happy and healthy now and he wants health and happiness for you, your children and grandchildren. I will never forget our trip to Gettysburg together and the fun we had. Gabe did so much for Bill and we loved him and will miss him. I shall always treasure all the "wins" we had at the Friday night games.
Arlene Mountjoy
Terry Huntley
May 25, 2010
Coach Hicks gave me my nickname "chet" when I was on the football team at Midlothian High School and its been with me my entire life I will never forget him.To this day my wife and good friends still call me Chet.
Bill Mountjoy
May 24, 2010
Gabe - you are my "brothe". I love you & will miss you!
Bill Mountjoy
George Pierson sr
May 24, 2010
We are truly sorry that Gabe has passed and we send are condolences to his family. Gabe was and always will be our sons football coach at Matoaca. He not only taught our son football but how to succeed in life. We thank Gabe for all his help,friendship and for being a great friend.
George and Cecile Pierson
May 24, 2010
Gabe was a great amn who molded genereations of young boys in to men, and certainly left a lasting impression on their lives. He was a great teacher and coach, who I only got to know for a brief period but from who learned a great deal about the game of football. I got to know him as a person even better through the many stories from his former players and collegues. My prayers are with you and your family.
May 24, 2010
Kim, I just got the notice from Brenda I am so sorry to hear about your dad. The passing of a parent is never easy. If there is anything you need us to do, please don't hesitate to ask.
Cella Gallagher
Lisa Witt
May 24, 2010
Dear Kim,
My heart goes out to you during this time of loss. I know how much you loved your daddy and enjoyed your most recent fishing days with him this spring. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. We all love you at Matoaca Elementary and are thinking of you and your family.
Lisa Witt and her third graders at Matoaca Elementary.
Richard Poff
May 24, 2010
Coach Hicks was an old school disciplinarian. At Midlothian High School, he transformed an old shower room into a weight room and forged winning teams from undersized talent. Coach Hicks' legacy rests with the generations of young men he influenced and the lifetime of memories he gave those of us who were privileged to play for him.
Brenda Johnson
May 24, 2010
Joan,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Troy Taylor
May 24, 2010
A wonderful man, husband, father, and coach. I will cherish the memories I have of spending time with Gabe and Coach Bill Mountjoy.
May 23, 2010
Coach, well it was a great ride and I thank you for allowing me to ride along for part of the journey.The years playing football at Midlothian under Gabe's tutelage have always been some of my best memories. You will always be remembered. Gene Bayer
May 23, 2010
Gabe and I taught at Providence Middle School together and the two things I will always remember about Gabe is that he never let things fluster him and he always made me laugh!! Thanks Gabe!! You will be missed!!
John Cichocki
May 23, 2010
Joan and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Gabe's passing. He will be missed but we will keep his memory alive, particularly the early years in Guinea, VA. Charles (Bobby) and Vicky Thomas
May 23, 2010
Joan, I am deeply saddened by Gabe's death. I counted him among my most treasured friends. His beautiful, successful children and grandchildren are his lasting legacy as are the many young men he coached and mentored. I will always remember how he carried himself with such dignity and how immaculate he was even under the pressure of teaching and coaching--never a hair out of place! I know you are all proud to be Gabe's family. He would get so animated when he was talking about all of you and would always have pictures available to show his pride and joy--his family. May you all find peace in knowing that he led an admirable and accomplished life. His many friends and students will miss him, his sense of humor, and his tips on how to live life to the fullest.
Jenny Pulley
Matoaca High School colleague
Jim Watters
May 23, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Gabe's passing but know that he is in a better place now. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. I know he has been a strong influence on many young people during his years of teaching & coaching. I'm sure there will be a big fishing pond in heaven for him to enjoy loaded with bass. Jim Watters
Nick & Betty Hajacos
May 23, 2010
Joan & Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficuct time. May the memories of all the years spent together bring you comfort. I'm sure he touched many young peoples lives and left wonderful memories for them. God Bless....
Sandra Davidson
May 23, 2010
Joan we were sad to hear that passing of Gabe. Our sympathy goes out to your family.You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember you two smiling and dancing at Thursdays in Oldtowne. Chris and Crystal will always remember him for the great teacher and mintor he was.
The Davidsons
Sandra, Roy, Chris and Crystal
May 23, 2010
My sympathy and thoughts go out to you, Joan, and your family... I'm sorry for your loss... I know your happy memories will one day bring smiles to your face and everyone who knew and loved your dear husband... I'm certain he touched many lives and left lasting memories...
Sally Plotkin
Jimbo Thompson
May 22, 2010
Mrs. Hicks, My prayers are with you and your family. Since my days at Midlothian High I have often shared stories with friends about how Coach Hicks cared for his players. The impact he had on my life has affected how I am raising my own children and how I coach their youth sports teams. May God bless and comfort you.
George Pierson
May 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hicks family. Coach Hicks was a great influence in my life...he taught his players so much, we were all blessed to have had him in our lives. George Pierson
Tracey Moody
May 22, 2010
Chip,
John and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I hope your memories will bring you comfort.
Pete Tucker
May 22, 2010
I am profoundly greatful for the way that Coach Hicks helped to shape my life. I am one of hundreds that he influenced. I am a better person because of him. Let's run it one more time!
Marco Thomas
May 22, 2010
Coach Hicks was my coach at Matoaca HS through the '92 season when I graduated. He was a great man and I have allot of great memories with him. "Burger"
Michelle Reed
May 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Gabe at Matoaca High School, he was a great friend and will be missed.
Carolyn Walker Vivas, Matoaca, Virginia
Debbie Hagler
May 22, 2010
I am saddened by the passing of "Coach" and pray that your family will find comfort in the beautiful memories...May God ease your pain and you find peace in knowing HE will keep watch over you. Blessings.
May 22, 2010
To this day I think of the impact that Coach Hicks had on my life; since 1977 when I graduated from Midlothian. I will always be the "rhinestone cowboy" as the Gabe jokingly called me. When I watch the show "Friday Night Lights" and see the impact that a coach can have, I always think of Gabe...he was a great coach and had a huge impact on the lives of all of us young men. He will be missed. Thanks, Coach Hicks!
Rebecca Farrior
May 22, 2010
God bless your loving family you were blessed with. May they find comfort during this difficult time. James shared with me the tips you gave him for improvement before super bowl 43. He said you were right and made the adjustments to improve his game. Always a teacher and mentor for our young people as you shared with them your passion for them to succeed in life. Rest in peace. The Farrior family
May 22, 2010
So sorry to learn of Gabe`s passing. He was a great friend, and will truly be missed. He meant so much to our children. Our prayers and thoughts are with Joan and the entire family.
Coach Jerry & Gretchen Cannaday
Patsy Watson Nachtigal
May 21, 2010
Coach Hicks you will be missed. You have touched so many of our lives in many ways. I can only wish for more people in the world like you. Heaven is truly blessd to have you.. Mrs. Hicks and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. just know he was loved by many and admired by all.
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