Andrew Hicks

Andrew "Andy" Van Hicks, 32, passed on from this mortal experience Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Santa Rita, Guam.

Andy was born July 17, 1983, to Suzanne and John Hicks. He was immediately the center of attention of his three older brothers and two older sisters.

To know Andy was to love Andy. He enjoyed being with people and having many friends and family members by his side. When you were with Andy, you were smiling.

Andy was athletic. He began swimming competitively at age 8 for the Pocatello Swim Team, which later yielded to his favorite sport, football. He shared that affinity with his dad and brothers. He played in Pocatello Little League Football for his favorite team, The Packers, as his dad coached. He attended Century High School, where he played the position of linebacker. He also earned his Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America and was proud of that commitment he had made to his mom and fulfilled.

Andy served an LDS mission to Guam, Micronesia, which was the highlight of his life and underscored his love for people and desire to give. He would tell you that the experience was paradise. He was privileged to serve on many of the islands. He cherished his time serving on the islands of Palau and Chuuk (Truk), where he was able to learn and speak Chuukese and continue to hone his leadership skills.

Upon his mission return, Andy attended Snow College, where he played football. He transferred to Scottsdale Community College and then played on scholarship at Dixie State University as a linebacker.

As he moved forward, Andy continued to gain and build friendships and influence others for good. He was a continual wellspring of generosity, in both his time and resources. He was an excellent listener and sounding board. Andy loved everyone he met and immediately considered you a best friend.

For the last year, Andy had been living on the island of Guam, doing the things he loved, connecting with old and new friends, playing football with the Hawaiian Rock Eagles and best of all, coaching the Island Eagles, the little league football team he grew to adore.

Though Andy struggled with challenges through much of his adult life, he continued to try to be an influence for good. He was a true and loyal friend. He has left a handprint on the hearts of many.

Andy is survived by his parents, John and Suzanne Hicks of Blackfoot; siblings, Alyson (Mike) O'Steen of West Jordan, Utah, Wally (Carol) Hicks of Pocatello, Brady Hicks of Blackfoot, Cameron (Nicole) Hicks of Pocatello and JaneAnne (Doug) Talbot of Iona.

He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Dutch and Myrtle Horton and Grant and Madeleine Hicks; step-grand, "Pops," Van Parkinson; and infant sister, Erin Hicks.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. Fourth Ave., in Pocatello, 233-1500. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Pocatello Stake Center, 655 S. Grant Ave., in Pocatello, with a viewing for one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at the Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com.