Ben Hicks
January 10, 1941 to June 23, 2024
Obituary
Ben passed peacefully away at the Health Science Centre on Sunday June 23rd, 2024, with his family by his side. Ben Hicks aged 83. Ben was a teacher at Prince of Wales Collegiate for 30 years before retirement in 1993.
Predeceased by his parents George Hicks and Mary Hicks, and sister Marjorie Hicks (Wilfred). As well as extended family, father-in-law Gus Mifflin and mother-in-law Ena Mifflin and brother-in-law Wilson White.
Leaving to mourn his wife Dorcas Hicks, sisters Dorothy Gullage (Ray), and Florence White (Wilson) as well as his niece Dawn White (Stephen) and nephews David Gullage (Connie) and Jason White (Cheryl).
Special thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses at the Health Science Centre, Intensive Care Unit.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road in St. Johns. Visitation to take place on Wednesday June 26th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service Thursday, June 27th at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel at 1pm. Interment to follow at Kenmount Road Anglican Cemetery after service.
Donations made to a charity of one’s choice in lieu of flowers.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on June 26, 2024
7-9 p.m. on June 26, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
1:00pm, Thursday June 27th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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Burial
2:00pm, Thursday June 27th
Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Road
I just learned of Mr. Hicks passing. He taught me at PWC from 1984-86. He was one of my favourite teachers of all. He was such a kind man and just brilliant. He never looked at a book. He stood in front of the class and just stated fact after fact. You could ask him any historical question and he knew the answer immediately. These are memories that I truly treasure. Rest in peace Mr. Hicks. ❤️
Mr Hicks taught me in PWC 77/78 . He was a sweet man and a great teacher.
Condolences to the family.
RIP Mr Hicks
Mr Hicks was our teacher at PWC in the mid 1970, it was with his influence that I pursued a Business degree at MUN, thank you Mr Hicks for all you did as an educator.
Our condolences to his family, RIP Mr Hicks, we will always remember your influence.
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Hick’s passing. He was my history teacher from 1971-1972. Mr. Hick’s was a wonderful teacher and was a leader in promoting student based learning through empowerment and encouragement. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sarah Steinhauer Osmond
Mrs. Hicks,
My condolences go out to you and your family on the passing of your wonderful husband. Mr. Hicks taught me at PWC and was one of the kindest, most caring teachers I have ever had.. He was a super nice guy and a fabulous teacher. I only wish I could’ve told him that. God bless.
Condolences on Mr. Hicks passing. He was a great teacher. I still remember his World Problems class from years ago. He was extremely engaging and his energy encouraged everyone to learn. He knew how to bring out the best in his students.
Steve Greenland
PWC class of 93
I was a student of Mr. Hicks at PWC in the late 60s. I remember him as a kind and gentle person who instilled in me a passion for world history that I have to this day. I thoroughly enjoyed our many class discussions. He was a top notch teacher. My condolences to his family.
As a former student at PWC dating back to the mid 60’s I remember Mr Hicks with fond memories. He taught me World History, and made this subject so interesting.. He was a super educator and a true gentleman. My condolences to his wife, Dorcas and his entire family at this sad and difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss; a great teacher.. Class of 1977.
Sad to see this. Ben Hicks was my teacher in 1977-78 and one of my favourites. All around good guy.
Mr.Hicks was my favourite teacher at Prince of Wales. I remember him with fond memories. He was a very sweet man. I remember when he raised money for our track and field team by having the kids sponsor him to do a 10k run. Everyone thought he was amazing for doing this and were so surprised to learn how good a runner he was. He will never be forgotten. 1980_1981
I took World Problems from Mr. Hicks many years ago. He was intelligent and well-informed, funny, relaxed but not too casual: he had a sense of dignity. He encouraged people to rise to a higher standard. A kind man and an exceptional teacher. I love his smile in the photo.
To Dorcas and Family,
My condolences on Ben’s passing . Although quiet he sprang to life as an educator and excelled at getting the best out of high school students. He looked on the positive side of all his students . He spent an enormous amount of time volunteering at high school and provincially as an athletic coach , organizer and latterly judge and timer . He was always willing to help. I enjoyed our visits as we talked about Newfoundland history and students that he’d had. Know that he made a large contribution to the education of thousands of young Newfoundlanders. God Bless Ean Parsons
Sorry to hear of Mr. Hicks’ passing. Mr. Hicks taught me economics in grade 11. Enjoyed the course. He was helpful in his method of teaching. My condolences to his family.
I remember Mr. Hicks as one of my favourite teachers. He inspired me to be active, questioning learner. I was truly privileged to have been one of his students. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family at this difficult time.
Brian Johnston
1966 PWC grad.
I loved history when Mr. Hicks taught it and I still do.
Thank-you Mr. Hicks
Sylvia Nap
Class of 1972
Our condolences to Dorcas, Dorothy, Florence and Ben’s niece and nephews. We are very sorry for your loss, Armand and Daphne (Ploughman) Richard
Sorry for your loss condolences to the family
Dick and I are sending condolences upon Mr Hicks’ passing. He was a fixture on the teaching staff during our 1970-72 years at PWC. We remember him fondly and extend sympathy to his family.
So sorry for your oss our condolences to you all. Florence and Joe Vokey
Mr. Hicks was one of my favourite high school teachers. He also was the high school track coach and we appreciated all the extra time he put into making it successful (1981-84.).
With sincere sympathy to his family.
Deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve and mourn the loss of your loved one, Ben. ( Phyllis Cole, Grace & Tom Difalco).
He was an outstanding individual. His wit and brilliance was balanced by a great sense of humour. I admired him greatly.
I was also fortunate to have been a student in Mr. Hick’s History class at PWC. In addition to sharing his amazing knowledge of world events with us, he also encouraged us to become independent learners.
Sending my sincere condolences to the Hicks family.
Paula Cramm
Class of ‘72
As a former student of Mr Hicks at PWC (‘78, ‘79), I offer my condolences to his family.
Jane Delbene (nee Oliver)
London, UK
Mr. Hicks was one of my favourite teachers at PWC. Knew how to capture and keep your interest. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Hicks was one of my favorite teachers. I was really lucky to be in his World Problems class when the Cold War had ended, and I remember how he inspired us to be interested in and curious about the world. I remember distinctly how he explained so clearly the history of the Middle East conflict. He had no illusions about history and humanity yet always saw the best of possibilities. He certainly left a mark on me and I’m sure many other students share my memories of inspiration to be active participants in the world.
He was one of my favorite teachers. Brilliant man, dry wit, and excellent communicator.
My sincere condolences to Dorcas and the Hicks family. Although Ben and I were not colleagues on the same school staff, we were colleagues in the same profession and with the same school Board. Rest peacefully my friend.
TO THE FAMILY,SO SORRY TO HEART OF BEN’S PASSING,BE ASSURED OF OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THESE DIFFICULT DAYS.
My condolences to the family and the community for a great loss, and my best wishes for the celebration of a truly great life. Mr. Hicks was the embodiment of what a teacher should be and I can say that 30 years later he continues to impact my ongoing study of history and law. He was a shining example of the positive benefit teachers can have on the lives of all students. Truly missed.
A kind and supportive teacher whose passion for history was infectious. You will be missed.
A peerlessly great history teacher and an unfailingly kind man. RIP
Rip Mr Hicks . You were a great teacher
Jennie
1976 grad PWC
Condolences to his family, friends and past students of
Prince of Wales Collegiate. I was a student of his in 1964-65.
Mr. Hicks taught me Economics at PWC. He was a great teacher and a gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Mr. Hicks taught me at PWC 1969-1970. I remember him well. Condolences to all his family.
Mrs. Hick’s & Family;
My condolences on Mr. Hick’s passing. I was fortunate to be a student of his from 1979 to 1980 at PWC . He was an awesome teacher & a kind gentleman.
Rest in Peace Mr. Hick’s
Mr. Hicks taught me at PWC in the early years of his career. Rest in peace Sir!
Condolences to Mr. Hicks family. He was one of the best at PWC. Rest in Peace.
I remember Mr. Hicks well from my time at PWC. He was always a kind, gentle spoken man. Rest in Paradise Mr. Hicks.
Sorry to hear of Ben’s passing Dorcas I wish you well during this trying time. Ben taught me in high school in the mid to late 60s and he was a gentleman. Kindest Regards.
I have the greatest memories of my time at PWC from 1982-1985 and Mr. Hicks was one of them. My condolences to your family and to all his friends. Know that he touched so many lives and made us love education. He was a fine man.