Jack Clinton Hicks of St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia. March 16, 1930 – August 13, 2026.
Jack passed away peacefully at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Born in Pictou Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late John Hicks and Ella (MacKay) Hicks. Jack is survived by his loving family: his sons, Clinton (Donna), Wade (Karen), and Tim (Barb), and his daughter, Jane Anne (Mike) and daughter in law Caroline; sister, Evelyn MacCara (Gordon); brother, Robert (Annie) Hicks. He is predeceased by his wife Rena, his son Dale, and his granddaughter Ashley. He has nine grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Papa” or “Poppy”: Meghanne, Adam, Alyson, Katelyn, Taylor, Rebecca, Shannon, Ashley, and Rachael.
After graduating from high school in Trenton Jack worked briefly at Trenton Works and studied at Mount Allison University. After graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts he then completed his studies in the ministry at the Atlantic School of Theology (Pine Hill) in 1958. He worked for several years as an ordained minister in Nova Scotia and Ontario. In the late 60’s he moved his family to St. Peter’s where he lived the remainder of his life. He worked for the Department of Agriculture for 24 years until retirement at the age of 63 while continuing to serve as a guest minister in the community when the need arose.
Jack will be remembered by the St. Peter’s community as a leader, an advocate, and a counselor. He met each person who crossed his path with compassion rather than judgement whether they were grieving a loved one or struggling with substance abuse. He was a strong believer in giving back to his community and gave countless hours serving on numerous boards and committees and providing counsel to those in need.
Jack was a storyteller, a deep thinker, a man of many words and had a loving heart. His curiosity about the world and memory for detail persisted until his final days. He maintained an impressive repertoire of seasoned jokes that never failed to lighten the mood.
Later in life he developed a passion for sailing. As the proud captain of his boat, the Rena Jane, Jack loved any time spent working on his boat and sailing and racing on the waters of the Bras d’Or Lakes. An avid boater closely associated with the St.Peter’s Marina he was a familiar and warm presence around the docks for many years. Even after he was no longer able to actively sail his boat, Jack remained a fixture at the marina frequently stopping by to visit, or to sit on the deck and chat with fellow boaters, up until his final years.
Jack believed in the power of prayer and his strong faith provided him much comfort in his last days. Faith was a big part of the life that Jack and Rena built together, and they maintained many treasured friendships and connections from their time in the ministry.
Jack will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, He was a warm and caring grandfather who loved his grandchildren deeply and wanted to know about every project, game or dream they shared.
There will be a funeral held in St. Peter’s United Church. Details to follow. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the Richmond Villa for their outstanding care of both Jack and Rena. The family would also like to thank St Martha’s Hospital for the care he received in his final days. They would also like to thank Pastor Keith Wiseman for his heartwarming support and inspiring friendship as well as the community of St Peter’s which he was so proud to be part of.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Here at Home Campaign (www.cbrhfoundation.ca) or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimer.ca) or any charity of your choice.
