Romayne Edmund Hicks

Obituary:  Hicks, Romayne E. “Rick”  Romayne, 96, also known as “Rick,” died peacefully November 19, 2019 surrounded by those who loved him dearly.  He was a devoted husband and father, and an active member of the community throughout his life .Romayne was born August 25, 1923 in Webberville.  He graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing where he met the love of his life and wife of 74 years, Beverly Sue VanWagenen.  He attended Michigan State University in 1941 and 1942 before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces where he achieved the rank of pilot.  He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1949.  Romayne taught at Pattengill Junior High School in Lansing for three years prior to establishing the Romayne E. Hicks Real Estate Company where he enjoyed a long and successful career in residential and commercial real estate.  Among his many accomplishments was development of the Midway Trust, the first real estate investment trust established in Michigan of which he served general partner for 20 years. He was past-president of the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors and past-secretary and treasurer of the Building Development Corporation. In 1974 he was appointed to the John and Elizabeth Whitely Foundation Board of Directors, which he went on to serve as trustee and financial manager for 45 years until his death, including10 years as president.His dedication to advancing the philanthropic mission of the Whitely Foundation was one of his greatest life passions.A community volunteer, Romayne was a co-founder and president of the Eastern High School Alumni Association where, together with his wife, he helped establish the Eastern High School Alumni Fund. He was a past-member of the Ingham Regional Healthcare Development Council, Lansing Exchange Club, Michigan Jaycees and the Elks Club in Green Valley, Arizona where he and Beverly wintered for many years.  Romayne was an avid outdoorsman, fly fisherman and environmentalist.  He and Beverly loved spending time at a cabin they owned for many years on the Ausable River in Graying.  For Romayne, it was the place where he found peace and tranquility while tying flies, fishing, canoeing and spending time with family and friends.  He was a past-trustee of the Au Sable/Manistee Action Council, and past-director of the Au Sable River System Property Owners Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mable Hicks of Lansing and is survived by his wife, Beverly, sons Jim (Mayette) and Jeff (LeAnn), all of Lansing; son Kristen of Sherman Oaks, CA; and daughter, Cathy, of Madison, WI.  He is also survived byhis brother and sister-in-law Robert (Marsha) Hicksand sister Marilyn Agon, all of Portland, OR; grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including special niece Amy Grice of Dansville; and two special grand dogs. Romayne received wonderful care and support from Hospice of Lansing and Sparrow Hospice House. The Hicks Familyexpresses gratitude to the nurses, staff, and volunteers in both organizations for their compassionate and exceptional care with special thanks to Hospice of Lansing volunteer, Sheryl Page, for her extraordinary devotion to making life easier for Romayne.  A celebration of Romayne’s life will be held in December.  Memorial donations may be made to: The Salvation Army Lansing Chapter (attention: Major Irving) 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912; Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911: or Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, c/o of the Sparrow Foundation, 1110 E. Michigan Ave., P.O. Box 30480 Lansing, MI 48909-7980. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Hawk Hollow Chapel, 15101 Hawk Hollow Dr. Bath Township with visitation starting at 10 a.m.

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