April 26, 1950 – June 20, 2024
Maurie Hicks passed away at home on June 20, 2024 after battling cancer and heart failure complications.
Maurie was born in Washington, to Duke and Hazel Hicks. He and his two younger brothers, Randy and Ron, grew up in southern Oregon. Maurie attended Medford High School and then attended Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR where he graduated with a teaching degree.
Maurie began and ended his teaching career at Eagle Point High School. When he was hired as an art teacher, he informed the principal he would stay one year. 32 years later teaching art, leadership and coaching boys varsity golf, he retired from the same classroom he started in. Maurie volunteered with the Oregon Education Association and the OEA Choice Trust, believing in the power of the teacher’s union, he worked tirelessly to give his fellow educators a voice and make a positive difference for teachers, schools and students. While teaching Maurie met the love of his life, Ginny.
Maurie’s passion for art extended beyond the classroom. He was an active member of the Pacific Flyaway Decoy Association, a nonprofit that showcases world class wood carvers, decoys, birds and other wildlife artwork. Maurie won carving awards throughout the years, he maintained a humble approach to his work, regularly boasting about his peer’s talents. Recognizing outstanding art allowed Maurie and his wife to collect decoys, paintings and pottery from local and national artists, many they call friends.
Maurie is survived by his loving daughter, Lindsey and grandson Hudson of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and wife, who he lost to terminal cancer in 2020. As a steadfast husband he was a constant cheerleader for Ginny and continued that same mindset when he began cancer treatment in February of 2024.
Honoring Maurie’s wishes, no celebration of life will be held. Maurie and Ginny will be laid to rest together in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, with Ginny’s family.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Maurie with your support of the Asante Cancer Center at Honor Maurie and Ginny Hicks – Asante Foundation
His family extends a heartfelt thank you to the hematology/oncology staff at Asante, Dr. Omer Ikizler, Asante CCU staff, Southern Oregon Cardiology, Dr. Kent Dauterman and Asante Hospice for their care and kindness showed to Maurie, his daughter and grandson.
Maurie was a true friend and colleague, left a positive mark on all that he inspired.
My grandfather, Jim Snook, taught art with Mr.Hicks in the 70’s. He always had such great things to say about him, and he was so happy when Mr.Hicks became my art teacher in the 90’s. Grandpa passed away in 2021. Two great art lovers have left this earth, but left it a more beautiful place. RIP Mr. Hicks.
I had Mr Hicks as a art teacher he taught me so much and encouraged my love for art he believed in me. I now have a daughter that has a love and talent for art and I think of Mr Hicks often. My deepest condolences go out to his family.
One of the best teachers I’ve ever had.
Mr Hick’s was a great teacher of mine he saw that I loved art and told me I should join his class and I did. I know he is looking down on us with open arms. He was always smiling every time I saw him. Be with the angels and teach them art up their.