Richard W. Hicks, 81 of Spearfish, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, February 28, in his home embraced by family.

Richard Warring Hicks was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Richard A. and Marion Warring Hicks on February 6, 1935. He attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit and studied Fine Art. He graduated from Albion College in Albion, Michigan in 1957 with a B.A. in Fine Arts and received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1960.

Richard taught at Burrough's Junior High School in Detroit, and at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, and then came to Black Hills State University in 1970 as an art instructor, where he taught a variety of art classes. His background in painting was in modern art, and his work evolved through different styles, particularly as he studied and practiced the method of veil painting pioneered by Collot d'Herbois, a Dutch painter, where a series of thin veils of color are put down on paper. As Richard refined his technique of veil painting, his paintings were characterized by a luminous spiritual quality, as he strove to incorporate light into the colors.

An introvert with a wonderful sense of humor, he was a sensitive and caring teacher whose encouragement often impacted students deeply. For several years, he volunteered to teach art to youth at Canyon Hills. During his teaching career at BHSU, he exhibited his art in various galleries throughout South Dakota. He painted several large murals in Jonas Hall on the BHSU campus during the late 1970's. He retired from BHSU in 2003. More recently, he was the president of the Dakota Artists Guild.

Richard's talents were much appreciated by those attending Countryside Church where he worked on projects for special services celebrating Easter, Christmas, and other celebrations. His sculpture, "The Journeyer", welcomes those who come to the church, and was his largest, most ambitious sculpture. As a pilgrim through life himself, the sculpture reflects his own sometimes painful journey into a place of grace and peace.

Richard married Rita Schrag in June, 1976, and their children Gabriel, Alissa, and Jennifer joined their family in the ensuing years. He was a supportive father and husband who was present in his family's life.

Richard was a dedicated tennis player who volunteered time and energy to the Spearfish Tennis Association, building strong friendships, and investing in the training of future tennis players. He played on one of the Countryside softball teams for several years, attaining the distinction of being the most mature pitcher in the league. His tenor voice joined with the Black Hills State University Community Chorale for many years. He volunteered at the Dorsett Home, bringing readings and presentations to groups there. Many people have been touched by his compassion, helping hand, and listening ear.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Schrag-Hicks of Spearfish; son, Gabriel Hicks of St. Paul, MN; daughter, Alissa and son-in-law, Bradley Bick, of Eugene, OR; and daughter, Jennifer Hicks of Seattle, WA; and grandchildren, Lucia and Conrad Maxwell Bick. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion, and father, Richard A. Hicks.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 7, 2016 at Countryside Church in Spearfish. Inurnment will take place at the Rose Garden at Rose Hill Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.