Ronald Lee Hicks

Ronald Lee Hicks, age 77, of Everett, Washington passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, we lost a precious husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. Ronald Lee Hicks died at his home in Everett, Washington, at the age of 77. Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Arlene, daughter Christine (Andrew) Cook, son Philip (Melissa) Hicks, and grandchildren, Jasmine & Sydney Hicks and Nate & Joshua Cook. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Phyllip, Joseph, Dennis, David, and Michael Hicks, sister-in-law Karen, and Brothers-in-law, Bob Shofstall and Bob Wahlstrom.

Ron was born on March 30, 1945, in Tacoma, Washington, to Harold and Betty Hicks. He began his early years in Stanwood, WA, but grew up primarily in the Midwest. Ron wiled away the days of his youth playing baseball and holding odd jobs. He learned to make friends quickly because his family moved often. He is a ‘63 graduate of South High in Omaha, Nebraska. Ron served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War. After being injured by a sniper, he earned a Purple Heart for bravery. He was hired by Safeway in Omaha, then in 1969, took a vacation to Washington to see where he was born and visit a good friend. He became acquainted with family he hadn’t met and decided to move to Everett in hopes of making changes in his life. He transferred to Safeway at 17th and Broadway. Later that year, he was invited to help coach a women’s softball team, and through that, he met his wife, Arlene. They married in 1972. In 1981, he began to work at Evergreen Lanes as the general manager. He was friendly, welcoming, and loved by his employees and customers. He inspired people to work together. In 2000, he worked at Riverside Lanes in Mt. Vernon until he retired in 2005.

Ron loved baseball, bowling, music, jokes, old movies, and his family, especially his grandchildren. While raising his children, he loved coaching their bowling, softball, and baseball teams. He showed strong support for their many activities. Ron cherished time spent with his grandkids, who lovingly called him Papa, and was never short on pride for his entire family.

Ron was known for being an amazing coach. He coached youth bowling for over 50 years at Evergreen Lanes. He coached bowling teams at Cascade High School from 1980 to 2020, taking several district and state championships. He coached women’s fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball and was the Junior Varsity fast-pitch softball coach at Cascade High School from 2004-2013 and Eisenhower Middle School from 2009-2013. He was honored to be voted Coach of the Year by his peers at Cascade High School in 2005 and 2020. He was inducted into the Washington State Bowling Proprietors Hall of Fame and the Snohomish County USBC Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2015, he was inducted into the Washington State USBC Hall of Fame. He felt so blessed to be honored for doing something he loved. After retiring from coaching in 2020, he continued as games manager at Cascade High for various sporting events. He also continued volunteering as a bowling coach at Evergreen Lanes’ Saturday youth leagues.

Ron loved his life and spent it in service to others. To many, he was a second dad. He treated people like family and didn’t hesitate to reach out and encourage those who were hurting. He belonged to St. Mary Magdalen Parish and served for over 40 years in many ministries and capacities. He also served as a volunteer driver with Catholic Community Services for people who need rides to medical appointments. Ron was never without a good story, a word of encouragement, a fun taunt, or a gregarious laugh. He had a sparkle in his eye when he was up to no good. He was willing to be present when anyone needed help. He was generous, hospitable, and full of joy. Ron will be sorely missed by those he left behind, but we rejoice in his return to Jesus.

Services will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Parish 8517 7th Ave SE Everett, WA. The Recitation of The Rosary will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:30 PM and will be followed by words of remembrance. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 9:00 AM, followed by a Reception and Celebration of life in the Gym. The burial is scheduled for 12:30 PM at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, the Archdiocese for the Military USA, or another favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the Hicks family.