Thomas Alexander HICKMAN

HICKMAN, Thomas Alexander
OC, QC, LLB, LLD


Passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of family after a courageous battle with cancer on January 10, 2016. Predeceased by his parents, Percival and Myrtle and brother, John. Leaving to mourn with loving and lasting memories are his wife of 62 wonderful years, Nancy (nee Mews), children, Sandy (Karen), Heather (John), Harry (Andrea) and Peter (Cindy). Mourning the loss of Poppy and Grandad are Scott, Alex, Meredith, Robert, Rebecca, Colin and Stuart. Also mourning are his brother-in-law, Hank Mews (Phyllis), sister-in-law, Mickey Hickman, nieces, nephews and friends, including special friends, the MacDonald family, members of his bridge club and the Churchill Square 'caucus,' along with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Born and raised in the Town of Grand Bank, Alex never forgot his roots, even as he embarked on a long and remarkable career as a lawyer, politician and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Trial Division. His political years covered the period of 1966 to 1979. He served in the government of three Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Joey Smallwood, Frank Moores and Brian Peckford. He held many varied Ministerial portfolios in those governments, including Justice, Health, Finance, Education and Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1979, he was appointed Chief Justice and held the position until 2000. During that time he served as Chairman of two significant Royal Commissions - the Royal Commission on the Ocean Ranger marine disaster and the Royal Commission on the Wrongful Conviction of Donald Marshall. In 2003, he was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada. Alex enjoyed a full and rewarding life and touched many people along the way, leaving everyone that he met with a smile on their face and a fond memory. His achievements in life are many but none approach his life as husband, father and grandfather, these were roles that he truly cherished. A special thank you to those who cared for Alex in his final weeks - Dr. Mercedes Penton, Helen Lawrence, Daphne McGrath and Vivienne Ryan and the Community Health Team; his family took great comfort in knowing his care was in your hands. Alex will be resting at Carnell's Funeral Home in St. John's (www.carnells.com). Funeral service will be held from St. James United Church, Elizabeth Avenue, on Friday, January 15th, at 2:00 p.m. Donations can be made in Alex's memory to Grand Bank Historical Society (P.O Box 640, Grand Bank, NL A0E 1W0), St. James United Church or a charity of one's choice.