SOUTH PORTLAND – “Captain” Herbert Roland Hicks, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 31, 2009, at home, after a brief illness. He was born June 12, 1935, in Calais, the son of George Herbert Hicks and Helen Theresa Craig. “Herb” or “Roland,” as many friends and family called him, grew up in the small community of Eastport, and graduated from Shead Memorial High School in 1953. In 1959, he married Susan G. Stover. In 1964, they moved to South Portland, where they raised three daughters. They were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 20, 2009. Throughout his life, Herb had a variety of occupations and interests. He worked in the electronics field for Portland Appliance and for East Coast Distributors from 1964 to 1976. From 1978 to 2003, he ran his own business, Video Services, out of a shop he built, connected to the family house. Herb was an authentic New Englander in the best sense. He came from very modest Irish-English American beginnings. He was very connected to his family’s Downeast heritage. His father was a sea captain and many uncles lived and worked in the fishing industry. Herb spent a lot of time as a child and young man working on fishing boats. While he chose not to pursue this line of work, much of his life was spent on the water as a recreational boater and sailor. Herb and Sue made many trips on their boat, the Selina G, up and down the intra-coastal waterway and spent several winters in Charleston, S.C. When his daughters were young, Herb took the family on many trips to Nova Scotia; Virginia; Nags Head, S.C.; and Downeast Maine. They visited every fort and state park in Maine, camped in the family van along the Maine coast, caught fireflies and cooked snails over the campfire. Herb and Sue continued to travel to Eastport for the Fourth of July celebration and to attend many class reunions. Herb was an extremely well-read avid historian, especially marine history and science-buff with a photographic memory for dates, presidents and formulas. He was passionate about politics and had an intense sense of justice for all mankind. He could make or fix anything he set his mind to. Herb was also an artist who painted coastal landscapes and historical renderings of the Eastport area. During and for a short time after high school, he traveled around Washington County and the islands playing trumpet in a dance band at local dance halls. He loved the music of his era, especially big band and early jazz music. He was a true Renaissance man. Throughout his life, Herb was blessed with many friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed telling stories, helping his friends and neighbors, and making people laugh. He made friends wherever he went. He was enamored by many as the “Mayor” of his neighborhood on Ridgeland Avenue. Herb was the very proud grandfather of Austin, Mali and Evie. Austin was the only grandchild for many years and Herb truly cherished their time together. Most recently, Herb and Sue took daily care of Mali and Evie, and Herb said that having two more little girls was the icing on the cake. Herb is survived by his wife, Susan of Ridgeland Avenue; daughter, Lisa and her husband, Matthew Jones, of Portland; daughter, Valerie and her husband, Brian Leary, of Newton, Mass.; daughter, Carolyn of Windham; and grandchildren, Austin McCusker, and Mali and Evelyn Jones. He is also survived by two sisters and their families, Karen and her husband, Larry Conley, of Newport News, Va., and Margaret Emery of Eastport; nephews, Kevin Conley of Virginia, Chris Sullivan and his wife, Moka, of Perry, and Mark Emery and his wife, Shannon, of Eastport; great-nephews, Shane Conley, Garret and Ian Sullivan; and a great-niece, Rachel Emery. There will be a celebration of Herb’s life 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Salt Water Grill, Front Street, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the family’s name to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements respectfully handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland.
‘CAPTAIN’ HERBERT ROLAND HICKS
