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John Harrison Hicks

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Boston University University of Texas

John Hicks Obituary

John Harrison Hicks April 7, 1921-Sept 9, 2012 John Harrison Hicks, 91, died Sunday, September 9, 2012 at his home. He was born April 7, 1921 in Duluth, Minn. He served in the Army Air Corps, Special Services. He attended The Curtis Institute, The National Conservatory of Paris, The New England Conservatory, and received a Masters Degree from Boston University. He played the flute in several orchestras, including The Boston Pops, The San Antonio Symphony, The St. Louis Symphonette, The Chautauqua Symphony and The Austin Symphony. He was professor emeritus, School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin. He was an avid motorcyclist, travelling all over the United States and Mexico. He was also a ranked tennis player, playing on a regular basis well into his 80's. He was known for his polite, gentlemanly demeanor, for his great love of teaching and for his wonderful sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Maren Harris Hicks. He is survived by a son, Jack Hicks of Austin; a daughter, Jeanie Shaper of New Braunfels; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Umlauf Gardens, 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Sep. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hicks

16 Entries

Carol Binford

September 9, 2021

I remember him often & tell people about a funny, great man he was. Miss him.

Carol Binford

September 9, 2019

John was one of my favorite people; always enjoyed being with him and he had such a great wit; still miss him every day. Hope you're having a great time in heaven John. We Will meet again.

October 4, 2012

To the family of Mr. Hicks,
I am the current flute professor at UT and wanted you to know how honored I have been to follow in his footsteps. He was a great supporter of our students and we shared a tremendous amount in common professionally. We both had Boston roots in our playing and enjoyed conversations about the 'sound' and approach. He was inviting to me and supportive from the moment we met my first year. I remember him fondly and want you to know how respected and admired he was by all who knew him. My sympathies to your family on his passing. Marianne Gedigian

Martha Ray

October 3, 2012

I knew John from the class at the "Y". He was so much fun to know. I know he will be missed by all.

Carol Binford

October 3, 2012

The memorial service for John was so very nice & John would have enjoyed the musical duo on the harp & flute & so many friends there to celebrate John's life. We love you John & you will truly be missed forever. We'll be exercising for you at the "Y" in the pool. See you in heaven some day.

Liz Castano

October 2, 2012

I grew up in San Antonio listening to Mr Hicks play with the San Antonio Symphony. I was privileged to play in the Austin Symphony flute section with John many years later. He was truly a gentleman and a fine musician. I feel honored to have known him.

Thomas Didion

September 27, 2012

I knew Mr. Hicks many years ago while living in the neighborhood. It was a pleasure to enjoy his kindness and wisdom at a time in my life when I really needed it. I actually bought my first car from him. Years later, during a terrible accident, it was the instrument by which my life was spared. You are missed.

Brenda Billings

September 25, 2012

I was a friend of Mr. Hicks' daughter Jeanie back in our silly, adolescent years. I remember practicing our flutes in Mr Hicks' wonderful music room. My skills were still lacking, to say the least, and we would usually cut the practice short in favor of some sort of silly prank or antic. How Mr. Hicks, the master flutist, must have cringed at my playing and our behavior, yet he always had a patient smile on his face. Always such a sweet, classy man.

Jeanie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful father.

Tom Alholm

September 23, 2012

It was my privilege to meet John in the water exercise class at the Y. We shared stories about the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and our mutual love of Pasties. He was/is an inspiration. Thanks John.

Holly Lee

September 20, 2012

I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I was his water exercise instructor for the past 7 years. He was such a joy to me and our class. I aways looked foreward to see him waiting for class to start in the hot tub. He made class fun and interesting with his boylike jokes, splashing and stirring up several controversial conversations. My daughter and I also had the pleasure to spend several afternoons at lunch with him after class. I cherish those moments as I learned so much about and from him. I am honored to have spent the time that I did with John. I will never forget him and will greatly miss him. See you in the pool John! My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. So sorry for the loss of this incredible man.

Home Care Assistance Team

September 18, 2012

We were honored to have been able to care for John up to his passing. He was always a joy and delight to be around. Our hearts and prayers are with Jeanie, Jack, and the rest of John's family.

Larry & Judy Ann Eichenbaum

September 16, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering John as both a fellow tennis player who in his 70's often rode his motorcycle 150 miles to play in competitive events that I held at Walden to being a great neighbor often looking after our duplex as we were absentee owners living out of town. John was a true gentleman who possessed model character for all in life. He will be missed but not forgotten!

Laurie Leach Griffin

September 15, 2012

Jack, I will be thinking of you and your boys and praying for peace and comfort for you all. I enjoyed knowing your family all of the years we have lived in the neighborhood. I am here for you should you need anything...Laurie L
each Griffin

Carol Binford

September 15, 2012

My heart is broken with the loss of John. He always brightened our day at our water class with his warmth & charm. But I know John is in heaven & with his beloved wife. My prayers are with the family. I will miss John for always.

Tami Schroeder

September 15, 2012

My love and prayers go out to John's family. My husband Mike and I had the pleasure of becoming a friend of John's, and for me, only over the past couple of years through his friend Ray Schroeder who is my husband's father. John graced our home several times for dinner and showed such genuine gratitude for being invited. He always expressed such kind words about the meal that I had specially prepared for him. And he was elated when I surprised him with homemade desserts. We loved his stories, his humor and his wonderful company. My husband, Ray and I visited John the Friday before he passed away. My husband and I will never forget our visit. It was a wonderful visit. John was happy, engaging and it seemed like he would live forever. I asked John if he would like me to come and read to him on a regular basis. John responded with, "I would be delighted." We agreed on the biography of George Washington. When we said good-bye to John that Friday, he insisted on walking us to the door. We will always cherish the memory of John standing at the door and waving good-bye with a sweet smile on his shining face.

Jonthy Williams

September 15, 2012

I was so saddened to hear about John's death. He was a member of my mom's water exercise class at the YMCA. Everyone loved John. He often teased classmates but it was with warmth and compassion. He always had a smile and yes, a great sense of humor. My 91 year old mom, Dorothy, died this past April, so I know the grief that John's family and friends are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare to celebrate this wonderful guy's life. Oh, also, I forgot to add that John was very generous and kind.

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