Everett (Buck) Hazen Hicks passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2021, at the age of 91, in Tacoma, Washington, where he and Marcheta were living with his son John.
Born and raised in the Coos Bay area, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. He later moved to a Boarding House run by the mother of his future wife, Marcheta. They were married in 1955. He got a job working for the Continental Telephone Company.
In 1968, when Buck was promoted to Communication Consultant, they were happy to move with their two sons, John & Joe, from the coast to Silverton, Oregon. Buying a home on West Main Street, they raised their sons until they both graduated from Silverton High School.
Buck was offered an opportunity to work in Alaska in order to receive an early retirement. They were on an adventure once again. They enjoyed taking advantage of the vast wilderness of “The Last Frontier.” Beginning in the beautiful city of Juneau, then moving on to Fairbanks, where their son Joe followed. Some time was also spent in Naknek and North Pole. They enjoyed the wildlife, fishing,outdoor adventures and gorgeous scenery.
While living in Juneau, they met lifelong friends Gary & Marian Jenkins. Not only did they help Buck & Marcheta to learn about living in this great part of the country and in making business decisions, they most importantly played an instrumental part in talking to Buck about his need to become a Christian. He had attended Church for years because of his love for Marcheta, but made it very clear to all that he did not believe in God.
After he retired, they came back to Silverton and built a lovely home at the end of Peaceful Lane on the Abiqua, becoming a part of the small close-knit community. They grew especially close to their neighbor, Sheila Rogers, who helped them immensely as they grew older. When South Abiqua Road was evacuated in recent years because of fire danger and during the freezing winter storm, their safety was a priority to Sheila.
Buck spent many hours in his shop creating custom fishing rods for special friends and family members. Even the youngest great grandchildren received a personalized pole designed by him including their name thread-wrapped in their favorite color.
Buck & Marcheta enjoyed having friends and family from out of town stay with them or visit from their church, Silverton Assembly of God. For years they hosted The Gospel Sing at their home and had a good time getting to know the young people. Buck served others in any way he was able and combined with Marcheta’s tasty cooking, those who came to their home were welcomed by their hospitality.
In 1995, they met Phil & Pam Leirman and their children Elspeth, Katie and Alex. They became family and shared many good times and holidays together. Buck knew he could call on them for anything they needed. In February 2014, at the age of 84, he called on Phil, who received the honor of praying for Buck to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
This was a day of many tears and rejoicing. A wonderful man who was prayed for by so many, was now a Christian. Always a very kind man, his life was now changed. He now had peace and it was obvious to all who knew him. He was baptized by his son, John, with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and the Leirman Family attending.
Buck is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marcheta, his sons John (Tacoma) & Joe (Fairbanks), his very special nieces Jan Laird and Laurel Stocker and nephew Mark Stocker, all from the Portland area.
He also was the Greatest Grampa to John & Kathy’s children: Jesse (Christal), Joel (Letha), David (Joanna), Daniel (Kaylee), Sarah (Todd), Ruth, John (Liz), Luke and Katie.
His 29 great grandchildren will miss him dearly. He was close to each one of them and prayed earnestly for their safety and their salvation. The children enjoyed sharing Whoppers and hearing the stories of his life that he loved to tell. As they grew older he always took time to visit with them as they began their vocations. He loved to hear them play their musical instruments and to sing hymns.
The following is a poem written by his loving wife, Marcheta:
ALMOST NINETY
My path has not always been easy and smooth.
By myself, it was almost disaster,
But as the old hymn goes – “Then Jesus Came”
And I gave my life to the Master.
. . .
A special verse for my husband
Who has cared for me 60 plus years.
He’s always been my earthly rock
Through laughter, the good times, the tears.
Jesus then poured out His love and His grace
And angels in heaven rejoiced
When my husband invited Him into his heart
And his life for eternity changed.
