HICKS, Conrad Ray Hicks Conrad Ray, 69, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2006. He was born in Enid, OK on Feb. 6, 1937. He graduated from Inglewood H.S. in L.A. and UCLA with degrees in music and German. Since age 8, he played trumpet in school and community bands, playing parts in movies, TV shows, civic programs and various professional groups. He joined the US Army and was a drill instructor at Ft. Lewis, WA, reaching the rank of 2nd Lt. Later he joined the California National Guard Reserves, serving with the 59th Army Band. Ray worked for Aerojet and Douglas Aircraft, taught high school and was band director at El Camino H.S. in Sacramento. He became a librarian, retired from San Juan U.S.D. in 1996, and moved to Oro Valley, AZ with his wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1966. He founded the Civil War era El Dorado Brass Band in 1981 for the rededication of the Capitol Building in Sacramento. After moving to AZ he formed the late 1880's era Old Arizona Brass Band. Both groups performed for historic and civic events. He also performed with the Civic Orchestra of Tucson, Arizona Symphonic Winds and other groups. He enjoyed sports cars, sailing, traveling, military history and living in the great southwest. Ray is survived by his loving wife Nancy, son Kelly, daughter Shari and her husband Ian Erickson, grandson Brennan Hicks, sister Phyllis (Garth) Rodkey and many dear family members and treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Iva and Everett Hicks and sister Beverly Moore. We are deeply grateful to those medical professionals who cared for him during his battle with lymphoma. He was deeply loved and respected and we will miss him greatly. His music touched many lives. A memorial service honoring his life will take place at 2 pm July 29, 2006 at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. Remembrances may be sent to the Old Arizona Brass Band, Arizona Symphonic Winds or Resurrection Lutheran.
