Harold Hicks

Harold E. Hicks

Harold "Hap" Hicks, born January 13,1919 to Robert and Zoe Hicks in East Lansing,MI. passed away December 19 in Venice, FL. During Hap's junior year at Michigan State College (MSU), he met Wilma "Wimpy" Kriek, "the only woman I ever went with" and they married on October 6th, 1940. After graduation, he started working at the Cottage Gardens Nursery in Lansing for $22.50 a week, eventually becoming the owner and then retiring after 40 years. Wherever he lived, whether in Venice, FL., Lansing or Interlochen, MI. he enjoyed staying busy by sprucing up his surroundings- weeding, pruning, planting.... He was also an avid reader. But most of all, he believed in spending time with his family. As its patriarch, he loved having the whole group gathered at the cottage- especially for the 4th of July weekend. Whether he was telling stories to grand and great-grandchildren about climbing on ships to pay soldiers during WWII in the Navy or driving the ski boat for everyone until he was 92 years old, he was there for us. We will all miss this man.

Hap was a member of Peoples Church in East Lansing, on Interlochen Music Camp's Board of Trustees, a past director of Highfields, a member of Kiwanis,Lansing Towne Club, Venice Yacht Club and the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association.

His brothers, Bob and Jim, and his sister Marj Atchison preceded him in death.  Survivors include his wife, Wimpy; his sisters "Sis" (Don) Dickson, Helen Kilfoy and Janet (Dave) Ronk; his children Joey Latterman (Okemos), Hap (Linda) Hicks Jr. (Venice FL), Bill (Debby) Hicks (Perry, Ohio), and Ron (Cindy) Hicks (Venice, FL.); 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held in Venice, Florida, December 28, 2014 and at Peoples Church, Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:30a.m. in the chapel. Funeral services are provided by Farley Funeral Home in Venice.

Those desiring may make contributions to Hawk Meadow Park c/o Delta Township, 7710 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 Att: Parks and Recreation; 517 323-8555.