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J. Stephen Hicks

1954 - 2013

BORN

1954

DIED

2013

About

Thomas Jefferson High School University of Colorado

J. Hicks Obituary

J. Stephen Hicks, whose open heart touched so many people, died tragically and unexpectedly in Malibu, Ca. A loving husband and a committed father, he is survived by his wife Lani, son Ryder, 18, and daughter Kailee, 15. Stephen was born in Denver and was a 1972 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He attended the University of Colorado and was graduated from the Brooks Institute. His boundless love for life will never be forgotten. Other survivors include his mother Fletta and sisters Lydia Richard and Sandra Shimmon. A celebration of Stephen's life will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday Feb. 23, at the Sunset Restaurant, 6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to either Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay or The John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Denver Post on Feb. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Hicks

15 Entries

Bob McIntyre

February 10, 2014

Reading all the messages illustrates the impact Steve had on so many lives. A competitor, a leader, a role model. A giver, a father and husband to emulate. You are remembered in so many ways by so many people. Missed by so many and yet still with us every day. Until we meet again, on the other side, know that I honored and humbled to have had the pleasure of having you in my life. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Larry Cox

February 10, 2014

Lani, I was actually at Steve's memorial service last year and was able to witness first hand the affection and respect of all of Steve's Malibu friends and associates. It was truly an amazing gathering! I was greatly moved by his impact in each of their lives. Wink's eulogy said it all. Sorry I didn't get the chance to talk to you then. I am so sorry for your loss.

Margo Rechnitz-Isaacs

February 19, 2013

I have been deeply touched by the loss of this wonderful talented man. My condolences to his family and friends from all of his walks through life

Steve Maffeo

February 13, 2013

Strangely, I have almost no memories of Steve from high school; really just from junior high. In particular, we were "desk" mates in Draw-Plan...7th grade,8th grade? (He looked then just like the photo he used for our senior year book.) He made a great impression on me during that period, which wasn't the happiest time for me...thus I really appreciated that he was always very friendly, funny, helpful, and just generally a nice, solid "shipmate," if you will. I had a fun email exchange with him before last summer's reunion, and then a couple great talks during. I'm terribly sorry he's gone so young, and I send my deep condolences and best wishes to his family.

February 12, 2013

I was a high school friend of Steve. We have touched base recently on Facebook. It was always a joy to see his photos. Not only of nature and his travels, but of his beautiful family. I sensed his peace with the world, and the wonder he say where every he was. I was looking forward to looking him up on future trip to visit
our son. The world lost a truly good man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.. Lance Steen

July 23, 2011

John Gore

February 12, 2013

I met Steve as a child while we both were living in Hallcraft. He was a couple of years older than I, yet I respected him because he (along with guys like Howard, Bill and a few others), were always nice to me. Means a lot to a young kid when older guys that you look up to are nice to you.

Ten years ago, I bought the house that Steve grew up in. I am typing this from his childhood bedroom.

Summer before last, while walking my dog, I saw a man taking pictures of the back of my house. Thinking he was a realtor (or worse yet, someone 'casing' the joint), I approached him, asking "sir, why are you taking pictures of my house"? He turned, smiled and said "I grew up in this house". I immediately knew it was Steve, introduced myself and we shared a warm handshake. I asked him if he wanted to come inside to see the house, even though it was kind of a mess at the time, and he asked if he could bring his wife and children, who were waiting in the car. I had the opportunity to meet Lani, Kailee and Ryder, and was immediately impressed by his fine family. I was aware of his success in the photography field and was honored to see this old friend again. At the end of our brief visit, Steve suggested a picture, and I was pleased to stand with him on the front porch while Lani took the shot.

The following Christmas, I sent Steve a picture of the house decorated for Christmas. I joked that me sending J. Stephen Hicks a photo I took was almost like sending Paul McCartney a song I wrote. He responded graciously, complimenting my decorating skills. We agreed to meet again the next time he made it to the Denver area.

Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. I am shocked and devastated for his family, yet so happy that I had the chance to see him again, and allow him to see his childhood home once more.

My prayers and best wishes are with Steve's entire family, especially Lani, Kailee and Ryder. We were blessed to have known him.

Denver Rocks Steve Hicks

Gary Kuzara

February 12, 2013

We wondered aimlessly in search of greatness and our closeness evaporated with distnace. But in our lives we shared your successes and vicariously lived our lives through yours. You were hero to some, a friend to others, a teammate and a brother. And when we look back part of us will never be the same by your loss. In the grand scheme of things many will never know what they meant in the lives of thier friends. God speed Stephen J Hick may you watch over us until we again meet to play in the field of dreams.

James (JT) Thompson

February 12, 2013

Steve knew that life is short and he lived and loved to the fullest. He reminds us again to appreciate every day and every friend... and to take nothing for granted. Lani and the kids have our love and thoughts. We are ALL so blessed to have had Steve in our lives!

Howard Tulper

February 12, 2013

Steve was one of my oldest and dearest friends. He would include everybody in the things he did and was a true leader. Steve kept so many of us heading in the right direction when we could have made the wrong turns in life. I will miss you my friend, but you will never be forgotten.

Chuck Panella

February 12, 2013

Steve, one of the first friends I made after moving to Hallcraft and starting TJ halfway through 7th grade. Always a smile, and just a great guy all around. We all miss you already, and always will. Rest well, my friend.

Bill Howell

February 12, 2013

Thank you Steve for your great patience in making me better at sports at Hallcraft and thank you for introducing me to all of your friends at my first day at TJ in 9th grade.It made my transition to TJ much smoother.
That all meant alot to me.I will miss you. Billy Howell

David Miller

February 12, 2013

My sincerest condolences to Steve's family. He was a wonderful human being who will be sorely missed.

Lawrence Alexander

February 12, 2013

Great guy, bsktball teammate player, schoolmate in HS @ TJ and just a cool dude!
Great photographer great family man!
Miss you Steve!
Condolences to all families and
God Bless.
Lawrence R. Alexander
Lynette Alexander Booker
Denver Co.

Randi Reiff

February 12, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Jim Therrell

February 12, 2013

Stephen and Family,
I've known you since we were kids, and I miss you so much already. Your spirit was so infectious and welcoming; your humor and energy so warm. While words are not enough, my thoughts will always always be with you and your family.
With Love, forever, Therrell

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