Bernard Edward Hicks peacefully departed this life surrounded by family on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California at the age of 73.

“Bunnie”, as he was affectionately called by his mother, was born June 26, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York to the late James Isaac Hicks and Mary Taylor Hicks. He was one of five children. After high school, Bernard moved to Salinas, CA to play basketball and attend Hartnell College. During this time he met his love of over 50 years, Enedelia “Lilly” Hicks. They got married and started a family in Gilroy, CA before moving to Santa Barbara where he attended UCSB. Bernard was a family man, first and foremost. Together, he and Lilly raised five children, Maurice, Aisha, Khary, Noni, and Jelani.

In the 1970s, Bernard began hosting his innovative and iconic show ‘Ital Soundz’ at KCSB. There he shared his love for Reggae, African, Jazz, and Soul music for almost 50 years up until his death. He was known for selecting songs that touched the human spirit and educated his listeners by sharing meaningful and thought-provoking music.

Bernard - also known as ‘Coach Hicks’ or ‘Coach Bernie’ absolutely loved coaching Basketball and did so for over five decades. This is where you could experience his powerful balance of patience, encouragement, discipline and positive energy. “Who you got?”, “pressure”, and “everybody get somebody” are phrases that if you’ve been coached by him, you likely have them ingrained in your bones. He also coached youth Soccer.

He made a huge impact on the youth and disadvantaged through his volunteerism and employment at the Goleta, Westside and Downtown Boys & Girls Clubs. He was a natural and humble leader of great character.

Bernard was a lifelong learner, one of his favorite pastimes was reading the newspaper. His knowledge was boundless, covering an impressive range of topics. He seemed to know it all and was a captivating storyteller. You could find him around town frequenting the local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, riding his bike, or attending a reggae concert. He also had a passion for cooking. He enjoyed playing tennis with friends, children and grandchildren. Always staying active, he umpired for baseball leagues and refereed basketball games and soccer matches for a period of time.

Whenever you encountered Bernard, you were greeted with his big, bright smile. He had a remarkable gift of connecting and building relationships with people. It only took one interaction before quickly becoming friends. He had an infectious spirit and personality. To know him, was to love him.

Bernard will be remembered for his calm demeanor, warm laugh, kindness, service, wisdom, patience, understanding, graciousness, and gratitude to his Creator. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary, and his brothers, Walter Spivey, Dr. James Hicks, Floyd Hicks (Karen), and his sister Julia Spratling. He is survived by his wife Lilly, his sons, Maurice, Khary, Jelani, daughters Aisha (Ephraim), and Noni, grandchildren Isaiah (Brenda), Isaac, Julian, Malila, Amiliya, Ephraim, great grandson Josiah, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.