Local Legend Hughy Hicks Dies

Hughy Hicks of the Century Farm County Road 8 and my good friend died Friday afternoon. Hugh has often been an found in of these Blogs he was one of the first as new friends I found when moving to the County . Prince Edward County has many loveable characters and talented people and Hugh will over time appear in many local stories so I will not begin in this installment as there are those who have known him longer.

The hours we have all shared around his table are full of the best times a person can dream of. There was a never endiung flow of new and interesting people to meet and all the worlds issuses to ponder during the famous Impromptu Jam Sessions.

When I first brought Defiance to the County there were many a fine afternoon spent enjoying the water. Over the last several years Hugh became far more involved with horses and was in the process of establishing a working stable with Terry. He gave up living in the big house last year and moved to a cabin he had build by the shore which was a delight to visit. Many an afternoon was spent on the porch looking out over the channel to Waupoos Island as interesting discussions and good friends .

The Century Farm has been in the Hick’s family for generations as are all the Hick’s who originally homestead the county. Known as a local organic farmer Hugh loved music and often hosted impromptu jam sessions which were always been some of my favorite times here.

Last year Hugh won first prize in the Milford Fair after spending eleven hours riding Cash, the horse all the way to Milford for the parade. The venture was beginning to take shape with a dozen horses and a breeding program it was a serious venture for someone of Hugh's age but he never was anything but happy and satisfied with life.

Good-by old friend.
May fair winds and a following sea bless your passage.

Sunday October 4, 2007 Post Sctipt:

Is is service over now......

The memorial service took place on Saturday November 3 at 14:00 at the Baptist Church with a lunch served at the Salvation Army Hall afterwards. It was a big turn out and the church was overflowing as one after another told Hughy stories. Johnny G and Vera provided songs to lift our hearts on this day both at the service and the lunch. Man unofficial groups broke off at have a drink at Jan's, which was really a bit somber so I only stayed for a single beer. Later in the evening the hard core reconviened at Perch and Carols house to have another "Free Hughy Beer". "Free Hughy Beer" originated in a Hughy practice of keeping a deposit boof beer in the cooler for when he stopped by. Then when he stopped by Hugh would ask for his "Free Hughy Beer".

This was the tribute that Hugh would have wanted worked dilligantly on the alachol supplies it took us back to happier times with our friend present. People camae and went but with few of the regulars missing the invite. The evening was full of song and stories compleat with a fine currey by Perch and deserts by Ruth.