“Fare you well, fare you wellI love you more than words can tellListen to the river sing sweet songsTo rock my soul”  – The Grateful Dead

William David Hicks, age 73, died peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2025 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The world dropped several decibels that morning. Born March 2, 1951, to Gilbert Hicks III (Paps) and Barbara Little Hicks (Maunie) in Syracuse, NY, he was the second of three sons. He was begrudgingly bestowed the nickname "Little Hicker" growing up after his older brother was deemed "Big Hicker.” Will graduated from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. He continued his studies at Denison University in Granville, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. Will maintained lifelong friendships he made in high school and college, for whom he traveled around the country to visit as much as he could, as long as it was nowhere near an airplane. He ended up in Albuquerque, New Mexico while on his way to San Francisco after meeting a pretty woman.

He had a lifelong thirst to learn everything he could about the Civil War, American history, and the Wild West. If you went head-to-head with him on facts, you’d likely lose. This he knew and often took advantage of. His passion for music was just as deep, the soundtrack of his life full of rich, soul-feeding rock, soul, reggae, and country songs, to which he’d grab the nearest person and ignite a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen, living room, or baseball stadium. With him, there was never a quiet moment, with The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, Patsy Cline, and many others playing in the background. At his side over the years were the best dogs, cats, ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, gerbils, and iguanas a man could ever ask for, many following close behind as he tended to his vegetable garden.

When Will wasn’t being the life of the party, he was rooting loudly for the Mets, Giants, Buckeyes, Knicks, or Lady Lobos, loudly spouting his disdain for a certain politician who we shall not speak his name, loudly cursing (and likely throwing his clubs) while golfing, and loving his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He is survived by his son, Daniel Hicks (Kendra Brand); daughters Maria Anderson (Joe) and Katherine Hicks (TBD); brothers Gilbert Hicks (Peggy) and John Hicks (Dawn); grandchildren Echo Anderson, Tannyn Tolino-Anderson, and Parker Tolino-Anderson; his nieces and nephews; and his loyal dogs Eli and JJ. T-Pa, we’ll be loving you. Always.

A celebration of life will be held January 23rd at 1pm at Outpost 1706 in Old Town, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Animal Humane New Mexico.

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