Bill Hicks, a lifetime resident of northwest Washington, passed from this life on January 11. He leaves a great hole in our hearts, but will forever be remembered for his playful and generous spirit. He was easy to converse with and never met a stranger. Whether meeting with a home owner who was experiencing trepidation about their building project or chatting with a hitch-hiker he picked up along his daily commute, Bill was open and affable and set everyone at ease.

A master builder and fine cabinet maker, Bill plied his skills generously. He was always helping friends and family with their building projects, even though he never finished his own. He also traveled to Mexico and Peru several times to help on building projects in those countries. Wherever he saw a need, he did his best to meet it. He built hospitals and schools, and made friends with the locals, often recounting the genuine joy he saw in those people who had so much less than himself.

He inherited a great deal from his own dad, including his wry humor, love of learning, patience in teaching, and passion for music. Music was both a creative outlet, and a community of friends for him. Bill began his first band with his siblings before beginning elementary school, and never stopped making music. He passed on his love of music to all three of his children.

Bill loved his family greatly, and was especially tickled by babies and young children. He loved their wonder, and the hope they instilled. Bill is survived by his wife, Maria, son Aaron, daughter Bekah, step-son Kevyn and his wife Dianna and daughter Jazlynn, his grand-daughters Abby and Kali, and his siblings, Laurel, Bob, Barbara, Chuck and John, as well as numerous cousins and nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte and Irby, his sister Lindy, and his son Peter.