Lowell Perry Hicks, age 104, passed peacefully into the arms of his wife, Bernice, and other loved ones, Tuesday, February 20, 2018. His devoted caregiver, Ruby was by his side.
Lowell was born December 23, 1913, in Grantsville, UT, to John Ulrich Buehler Hicks and Amy Dorothy Erickson Hicks, the youngest of 5 children (Hilda Marie, Jay Irl, Ruth, R. Blaine.) He came from a great Pioneer heritage from both his father and his mother. He spent much of his early life in Tooele County, working on a family ranch, also living in Salt Lake in his later youth. He attended LDS High School, East High School, and the University of Utah.
As a young boy, he began his journey with music, showing great talent. He began playing xylophone, later learning vibra-harp and marimba. He also played piano and organ. Lowell was hired as a young man to play with KSL radio and several local bands, which enabled him to earn his way through school, graduating in music education. He also taught private music lessons, and was hired to teach marimba to a lovely young lady, Bernice, in Malad, ID.
After a 3-year courtship, Lowell married Bernice Alene Horsley in the Salt Lake Temple, on Aug 4, 1937. David O. McKay performed the ceremony. Lowell and Bernice performed together for many years, playing at numerous weddings, funerals, dances, and parties. They raised their family in Salt Lake City; Marilyn Kay, Jean, Roger Lowell, Teresa, and Ronald Ernest were born over the next several years.
Throughout much of Lowell's life, he taught music in the Granite and Jordan school districts, taught private lessons, and played evening dance jobs often. His rich musical legacy touched not only thousands of people, young and old, but also played an important role in his family, even down to his great-grandchildren, many of whom create and enjoy music. Lowell and Bernice served a mission for the LDS Church at the New Zealand Temple Visitor's Center, and he was able to share his gift throughout the area playing on a portable set of bells. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lowell contributed his musical ability frequently in a variety of callings. A member of the Utah Symphony for 10 years under Maurice Abravanel, Lowell continued to play until age 103, performing regularly in various care centers.
There were many other interests, as well: bee-keeping, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, even a brief stint of flying. His energy was amazing and doing these things with his family left a rich heritage of memories for us all.
Lowell was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; parents and siblings. He is survived by his children, Kay (Melvin) Ward, Jean Wright, Roger (Linda) Hicks, Teresa (Steve) Ross, and Ronald (Sherri) Hicks; 30 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and the posterity continues to grow.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Hospice of Utah workers, Joan, Bobby, Jed, Joe, Alice, Mandy, Julia, Galen, and others, who went the second mile in assisting in the care of Lowell. We are especially grateful to Ruby (Pipiena Lupe Ofa) who has assisted in the loving and patient care of both Lowell and Bernice for the past 6 Ω years. She has been like a daughter for them both.
His life will be honored Saturday, February 24 at the Yalecrest Ward, 1035 South 1800 East, SLC, Utah at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A viewing will also be held Friday evening, February 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, SLC. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.
