Harold Francis Hicks III, 72, died peacefully at home on April 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 11, 1952, in Camp Pendleton, CA to Harold II and Christina Hicks. His father was a naval aviator which took the family to various naval bases throughout the United States.
Harry graduated from St Anthony’s High School in Long Beach, CA in 1971 and moved to Susanville to study biology at Lassen Community College. Harry worked in the lumber industry for 20 years in Idaho, Oregon and finished up in Susanville at Sierra Pacific Mill. He changed course and went back to LCC to study nursing. He worked at Lassen Community Hospital, then Banner Lassen as a night shift emergency nurse. After retiring in 2018 he continued to use his medical skills as a Honey Lake Hospice volunteer.
One of the greatest joys of his life was the birth of his son, Dawson, in 1976. Harry also enjoyed camping, backpacking, fishing, birding, photography, skiing, running and walking his dog. He had a passion for running and completed 2 marathons, the last for his 60th birthday at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. He had a collection of maps to help him plan his camping “escapes” to favorite Great Basin, Sierra, Cascade or Warner Mountain destinations. Hot springs were a frequent location for him to plan an adventure. One of his nicknames was “Hot Tub Harry”. He was known by many nicknames: Hal, Halbert, Horizontal Hal, Hairy Pits, Slugger, Nurse Harry, Hair and Hairia. He was proud to be called “Pop” or “Pops” by his stepchildren and grandchildren. When his twin grandsons were born, he was warmed by the “grandpa-grandpa” title.
Survived by wife, Linda Erway, son Dawson (Kristin), stepchildren, Kaoma Combs (Adam), Brian Taylor (Leah), Kayleen Clark (Robert).
Grandchildren, Jessie Hicks, Wyatt Hicks, Cody Hicks, Hailey Birkland, Maddie Birkland, Zella Taylor, Maya Taylor, James Clark and Thomas Clark. Also, siblings Mary Irvin (Steve), Sheila Boutte’ (Rudy), Brian Hicks (Bonnie), Christina Walsh (Jen), Sally Walsh.
A celebration of life potluck will be held at the Monticola Club, 140 South Lassen St, October 8th at 11:00am.
Donations can made to Honey Lake Hospice, PO Box 1166, Susanville, CA 96130, Lassen Land and Trails Trust, PO Box 1461, Susanville , CA 96130 or a charity of your choice.
