| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2024 | 69
Friends we will miss
RICHARD WINSLOW (R.W.) HICKS, athlete, educator, and advocate, January 4, 1951 -
December 7, 2023. R.W. was born in Cleveland, OH, and moved with his parents to Los Angeles at the
young age of one. R.W. graduated from Washington High School, winter class of 1969. He received his
degree from Humboldt State University in Political Science. R.W. played football while he was a student at
Humboldt State. He had also had a brief career in the NFL playing for the Detroit Lions as center.
At 6'4", 230 lbs., he was a towering presence on and off the field. Richard married Maurya in 1982 and, as
newlyweds, they moved to Humboldt County for him to coach college football. After three years, his heart
was itching for a greater, positive outreach of the student body at Humboldt State, leaving the football
coaching position and becoming a Trio Program Director. His former students still hold him in high
regard, remembering him as a rock of kindness, coach, mentor, friend, father figure, "Big Man on Campus"
who truly cared about them.
Richard and Maurya moved to Sun Lakes in August 2012 enjoying the community very much. Great
neighbors who became friends over the years, enhanced our living experience here.
R.W. reminded us who knew him that one person can make a difference in a community. Richard often said, "Look at the big picture and stay
focused." Richard's lasting impact on the countless lives he touched while at Humboldt State University and in Sun Lakes will allow his legacy
to live on through those whose paths he helped illuminate.
Richard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Maurya Hicks, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
