Jack Hicks Obituary

Donna and daughters.

I only learned earlier today of Jack's death when I met an Illinois library friend for lunch in DC. I was stunned and so sad since Jack was one of the finest librarians in Illinois. He had finesse, style, kindness, vision and an incredible ability to gather people together who didn't even know they had a common interest. Jack's retirement party was great and I can still see him turning on the CD player to play some of his favorite music. With a twinkle in his eye-showing such pleasure to each and every one of us who attended-making it clear that he had big plans for life after being a library director! Jack turned a good suburban library into a very special place and gave a terrific gift to the community. His reputation for fairness, innovation and joy of life, libraries and reading will be remembered. I am so glad to have known Jack.

Dear Donna, Maren and Sarah,

All of the Helanders are saddened by this news. You were our first neighbors in our first house (and the best neighbors)! You are all so special to us, and we all have the most wonderful memories of Jack and his cannon, fireworks and "shooting" old ornaments.

Jack was a visionary. Smart as a whip. A true renaissance man for certain! But most of all, Jack was a dear and rare friend to the core...eloquent, witty, conversant in so very many subjects and the most genuine person one could know.

Sending our love and most sincere condolences ~
Willard, Bill, Emily and Liz

We will greatly miss Jack. Adelle is Donna's cousin, and we often got together for holidays and vacations. We appreciated his friendship, his strong loyalties, his intellect and vast knowledge, his sense of integrity and fair play, his concern for others, and his spirit of adventure (as depicted in the attached photo of Jack & Donna in his new sports car).

Thanks to all for your kind words about my father. My family misses him, his humor, his love and beautiful heart and character more than I can say. If you would like to read Irv Leavitt's tribute and article about my father, please look at the Deerfield Review online.

Donna- I saw the article in the Northbrook Star in tribute to your husband. I want to offer my sincerest condolences to you and hope that your many memories will be a comfort for you and your daughters in the days ahead.

I went to library school with Jack and later knew him as the director of my local public library. He was a warm friend and an outstanding librarian.

Jack was one of my best friends, and he felt like the grandfather I never had. I always looked forward to seeing him at the dog park and venturing into the backwoods with him and my family and our dogs. I enjoyed talking about films, the Coen brothers, politics, music, poetry and books with him, and was always happy to recieve bunches of seaglass he brought me for my collection. He always made the dog park this special place for me, and he meant so much to me as someone I could talk to, and whose stories I always loved to listen to. He was a very dear friend to me, and I will never forget him.

Jack was a very dedicated professional librarian and administrator, and I certainly agree with the comments Tom Forte, John Blegen, and other colleagues have made about his enthusiasm, friendliness, and community spirit. I always looked forward to reading his thoughtful and carefully composed columns in the library newsletter. He will surely be missed in Deerfield and in the library community. May he rest in peace.

I light this candle in honor of Jack Hicks and in sympathetic support of his entire family and all of his friends who will miss him dearly. He was truly a blessing to my family!

Dear Donna and Family, Through the kindness of Peggy Hamil I learned of Jack's death. My sincere condolences to all of you. Jack was my friend and colleague for many years. I appreciated his dedication, and especially his focus on serving his local community. I fondly remember my last visit with him when (after my retirement) I just dropped in for a visit. I was inspired by his commitment, fire, and loyalty and the warmth of his welcome. May his noble soul rest in peace. God Bless. Tom Forte

Churi always ran to Jack first, then to Bitsy. She knew, as do I, that Jack was a man so full of love for his family, his friends, and this world that it resonated thruout everything he said and did.
He loved the natural world, was an expert on birds and the outdoors, and was pure joy to those of us privileged to know him. I will miss him.

We will always remember Jack's witty remarks, intelligence, sense of humor, love of life, and kind and gentle spirit. Jack was much more accomplished than he ever let on (this was a part of his "Minnesota manner")but one of his most endearing attributes was the importance and value he placed on friendship. We've been blessed and honored by Jack's friendship and we will miss him greatly.

I'll always remember how youthfully vibrant Jack was whenever we met. ...even on his motorcycle. Everyone who knew him grieves his loss.Sincerely, Fred Seifert 2801 Brindle Ct. Northbrook 60062
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