William J. “Bill” Wicks, financial adviser, ardent foxhunter and generous member of the Middleburg/Orange County Beagles, died June 27 at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton, Va. He was 58.
He especially enjoyed riding for hours, often at a leisurely walk. Horse trainer, advisor, and friend Anne Wiktor remembered him saying, “I get the most serenity when viewing the countryside from the back of a horse.”
Mr. Wicks will also be remembered for his tireless dedication to the MOC Beagles, an all-volunteer organization. Shelly O’Higgins, MOC huntsman, said, “He was available for anything—from working with the hounds to riding along next to a timid rider.”
His funeral not only included those mourning his loss, but also three of his adopted hounds.
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Mr. Wicks will be honored at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show (Pa.) next June, where organizers established a Perpetual Junior Handler Trophy in his name; artist Eve Fout will donate a bronze sculpture.
Friend Adrianne Brookes said, “As we begin our 47th hunting season, we would like to honor the memory of our friend Bill Wicks. He was so generous with both his time and his kindness with the children and with all others in MOC. He was there for us, and he will have a special place in our hearts.”
Mr. Wicks is survived by his daughter, Fiona Reingruper, Culpeper, Va; son, William G. Wicks, Woodville, Va.; former wife of 25 years, Susan G. Wicks, Culpeper, Va.; brother Robert Wicks in England; two sisters, Mary Falck in England and Margaret Stenzig in Canada; and three grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Fauquier Hospital, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton, VA 20186; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1095, Warrenton, VA 20188.
