Celebration of Life: Peter Francis Hicks, February 23, 1942 – November 19, 2024

Provided.

Peter Francis Hicks.

Peter Francis Hicks, known as Pete to friends and family, was born Feb. 23, 1942, at either 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. (depending on what nurse/Dr./phlebotomist he was teasing over the last few months when they asked his date of birth). He passed away on Nov. 19 surrounded by family.

He grew up on a Ranch and was no stranger to hard work. He told stories of his chores and duties on the ranch starting from the time he was 5 years old. He remembered all those times with joy and happiness, even when the cow chased him and his sister up the tree. He was the last living sibling in his family and did great service to the Hicks name and made sure we had stories to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Dad was a saver his whole life. He wanted to make sure he could take care of his three girls. He was quite a tease and his favorite phrase was, "I have $11."

He was preceded in death by dear Sharon, his wife of almost 60 years. We lost her in January of 2021. Also, Sharon and Pete had two sons whom they lost immediately after the were born, Peter Francis and Jeffrey Bradner. He poured his heart into raising his three daughters, Tess, Jenny and Shannon. Tess and her husband, Mark Adams, Jenny and her husband, Mark Jackson, and Shannon and her husband, Bryan Cummings will all dearly miss him.

He also has 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. His absolute favorite place to be was anywhere his family was, the more hustle, bustle and giggles the better. And rest assured, if there were giggles, he was usually responsible for them.

Pete worked at the department of corrections for 30 years, starting as an officer in Susanville, California, and ending his career with retirement as a Correctional Counselor 3 in Tehachapi. He retired at 55. He loved the camaraderie he got from his weekly golf games.

A few of our favorite memories of dad: The Readers Digest subscription he sent us all every year at Christmas. (One arrived at all of our houses right after he passed away, and we cannot help but think he planned it). His famous banana bread that became his signature dish he made for all the people he cared for. The pumpkin pies he perfected that he made for all of the holidays. The secret little nicknames he would create for those he loved, Turkey, Myrtle, Abergail. The teasing he would do with the grandkids, and great grandkids. "I am going to cut off your ponytail." His love for pinochle and staunch denial that he and Uncle Ralph used to cheat when they played against mom and aunt JoAnn. Joking with the hospital staff with each IV that they better put Bud Light in there.

We love him and will miss him for eleventeen years!

Services for Pete will be graveside at Tehachapi Public Cemetery Eastside at 10 a.m. on Dec. 28, followed by a celebration of life at Slice of Life immediately after.