Obituary: Val J Hicks

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 8, 2004

1933 ~ 2004

Val J Hicks died from pneumonia June 22, 2004.

He was born to Inez Holdaway and Val Dunn Hicks in Provo, Utah, February 6, 1933. He had many years of paralysis beginning at age eight, so his life has not been easy.

Val is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Brandon Jensen and three grandchildren Tanner, Zachary, and Megan. He is also survived by dear friend Hoda Katicha; siblings Jo Ann Hicks, EuDonne and Ray Warnick, Gary and Robin Hicks, Kathy and Greg Cherry; many nieces and nephews; aunt Clista Holdaway (age 95), and numerous cousins. Everyone Val met became a friend, and he has thousands of friends throughout the world. He was a good man and will be missed.

Dr. Hicks was an active alum of South High School, graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree from University of Southern California, and obtained a doctorate in music from the University of Utah. Val loved music, thanks to his musical mother, Armont Willardsen at South High School, and SPEBSQSA.

Val began a teaching career in Granite School District where he also served as president of Granite Education Association. His final years of teaching were at Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, California.

Val served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At age 18 he became a member of SPEBSQSA (barbershop quartet singing). Val sang, directed choruses, served as an international judge, and coached quartets. He was invited by the Smithsonian Institute to create a special music section on barbershop quartet singing. Val composed many songs and also arranged thousands. (His arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner has been performed at the Super Bowl and elsewhere).

Val's latest endeavor was to research, then write a book on the history of quartet singing, especially barbershop quartets. The book was being finalized for publication at the time of his death.

The funeral service will be Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m. at Rose Park LDS Stake Center, 760 North 1200 West, Salt Lake City. Family and friends may visit Friday, July 9 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, 6-8 p.m., and at the church Saturday prior to the service, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

Donations in Val's memory may be made to Perpetual Education Fund, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, University of Utah Music Dept. Scholarship, or Primary Children's Hospital.