Kenneth Richard Wicks Tribute

Kenneth Richard Wicks died peacefully on October 28, 2009 at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 78.
"He was surrounded by family, friends, music and prayer as he took the hand of Jesus," his family said.
He was born in 1931 in a taxi cab outside of Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon. A life of storytelling began that day and he never met a person he didn't have a great story for.
He was very active in his life and enjoyed many experiences as a guide in the Oregon caves, a smoke jumper and fire tower watchman, a police officer, a soldier in the U.S. army, as well as being an avid hunter and fisherman.
Finally settling on a career as a teacher, he moved his family in 1972 to Hoonah, Alaska where he retired in 1984. After retiring, he owned and operated Beartrack Charters in Juneau, Alaska, a perfect fit for his storytelling talents.
After many years, he retired again to Ocean View, Hawaii, where he was very active in many service positions including president of the Kau Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoyed hydroponic gardening, exploring and entertaining friends and family by the pool.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene Wicks of Ocean View, sister, Norma Bradford, of Creswell, Oregon; children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Todd, Bobbie, and Kimber Wicks of Juneau, Kaye and Martin Peters of Juneau, Bradley and Kristyn Johnson of Juneau, Eric, Becki, Brianne, Chelsea and Stefani Wicks of Beaverton, Oregon, Alan and Deborah (Bittick), Brandi and Airic Wicks of Dallas, Oregon, Angela Darr of Dallas, Oregon, Ryan Darr of Fernley, Nevada and Jacob Rorem and Ryana Coman of Dallas, Oregon.
"Ken will always be remembered for his great tales and stories," his family said.
Services were held at Mokuaikaua Church in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and at his request, Ken's ashes will be spread at one of his favorite places in life, Bohemia Mountain, Oregon on July 7, 2010.