William Hicks “Bill” died in early November of 2024, after an extended illness. He passed at his home, with his family by his side. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. William was born in the mid 1940’s, in New Jersey. Highlights of his early days included games of sandlot baseball, fishing, and listening to his beloved St. Louis Cardinals on the radio after school. Upon graduating high school, Bill was accepted into the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. College was a formative period in Bill’s life as he told many stories of his campus days and love for Tar Heel basketball. He met his wife Brenda, shortly after graduating. In the mid seventies, Bill took a job as Administrative Manager of the New York City Branch of Fireman’s Fund Insurance. He commuted daily on the train from Long Island to the heart of the city, and enjoyed the vibrancy of the city at the time. His career in the insurance business was successful. He moved from New York to California, and ultimately settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, reaching the pinnacle of his career as the branch manager of Selective Insurance in the mid 90’s. Bill and Brenda moved to Colorado in 2018 to celebrate and to be close to their first grandchild. Bill grew out his beard and often adorned a hat, embracing Colorado life to the fullest extent. He will be remembered for his intelligence, wisdom, and sense of humor. He had a unique ability to identify with people from all walks of life. “Salt of the earth” people were whom he felt most at home with, and he could often find a friend in the least likely of places. His family was one of his greatest joys and his dedication to it was unparalleled. He was a wonderful father, husband, and grandfather— and known in his latter years as “Gump,” to his two beautiful granddaughters. Bill and his only son, Keith, were the best of friends, often watching a game, and lamenting or rejoicing over the latest results of their “Heels” or “Cards”. Bill was a great lover of nature, music, food, and animals. Particularly the many dogs in his life that were never too far from his side. Recently you could find him sneaking endless bites of everything from Jersey Mike’s subs to muffin pizzas to the family dog, Arlo— much to the chagrin of his family. A good day for Bill would have been dipping his toes in the sands of Topsail Beach, sipping a margarita, listening to “Fish and Whistle,” staring deeply into the great wide open, with the sun setting deeply in the distance. Bill is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Mary; and his sister Jeanne. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Brenda, their son Keith (Kelly), grandchildren, Emme Rose and Gracie Ann, brother Al (Gloria), brother-in-lawJack (Helga), niece Kris (Greg) and several other family members that he held near and dear to his heart.