Monday, May 18, 2009

Our Sympathies

We extend our deepest sympathies to Linda, Erica, & Greg, and the rest of the family. We had a bit in common in that we lived in Rockford our entire lives until we moved into Ann Arbor in 1959. We met the Wicks early on as we live down Manchester Rd. from them. Both Loyd & I represented firms in Rockford. Marge has worked with both of them at the polls, & plays bridge with Fran monthly. We have so enjoyed knowing the family these many years.
Our deepest regards to you all.
Bob & Marge Lawson.

A Great Role Model

Linda:

Barry was a wonderful man, he brought joy to everyone around him and he always seemed to be available when people needed a hand. I first met Barry when I was a student at Greenhills, but I really didn’t get to know him until I started working at the Racquet Club. Barry was a several years older than me and gladly took the time to befriend me and the other students working at the Club. I had the good fortune to watch him transition from being single; to engaged; to husband; and to father. I was able to see and hear about what becoming a responsible adult was all about, before I had to do it myself. Several years later as I faced the same transitions I looked at Barry and it was comforting to see that while the transitions bring big changes in priorities, they don’t have to change who you are, they allow you to grow. Barry was a great role model. I am lucky to have known him and called him friend.

Alex Thorne

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Barry IS a Wonderful Man

Linda-
 
 Barry worked with my husband but I got to know him through the Mission Possible golf outing that I organized and Barry played in the last two years. He was always so complementary and a genuine wonderful man.  But as I was telling my son about Barry's loss to cancer and asked if he remembered Barry (as they met him at Nustep and the golf outing)  he said to me " I remember his Eagle on the hole by the club house two years ago- that was awesome that we got to be there and see it."   That is so true, Barry was so happy and we all hollered and hooted- you would have thought he had a hole in one!  Your loss is great and I know that your memories are what will get you through this.  You and your family are in our prayers and I know that Jim will surely miss Barry.
 
Heidi Steinhebel

Thinking of you...

Dear Linda and family,
I have thought of you often lately and want you to know that my heart really goes out to you all. While I didn't know Barry too well, I feel like I did through stories from my parents, Kevin, Laurie, Joe, and Ali. I know that Barry was a special brother, uncle, and friend to all. My only memories of Barry include him smiling and genuinely enjoying life! From my experience, anyone with the last name of Wicks is a very special person, and Barry was no exception! I am so sorry to have missed the Celebration of Life today. I will continue to pray for your entire family during this tough time. Hugs to all of you!
Love,
Alicia (Holtz) Tropea and family

Friday, May 15, 2009

We miss him at work

I had worked with Barry for over 4 years.  He fought a good fight.  I will remember him for his invaluable advice and humor on everything from wedding plans to how to best navigate around Ann Arbor.  He put up with us ladies, and even pretended to care about new purses and pedicures.  Our golf league started this week, and I can't tell you how much we all missed him.  He was always the first one to the tee box, even when he was just there to cheer us on and get some fresh air.
 
Today, in his memory, we purchased a flowering crabapple tree to plant infront of the pond.  Barry called it the best view in Ann Arbor.  We will soon landscape the area, and hope that Linda, Greg, and Erica will visit.
 
I hope you know that he meant so much to us at NuStep. 
 
Rachel Smith, NuStep Inc.

A Memorial

Our Memories of Barry Wicks
This is extremely difficult to do but it comes with love and admiration for your life wherever we met you.
Though our paths crossed years ago - where they met is remembered by us and our family as precious. Especially memorable are the Christmas and New Year times our families celebrated together. God has been good to all of us and surrounded us with wonderful children and much love.
You are leading us into the future with much grace and we thank you for that.  May our loving Father guide you as you explore this new world.  Blessings to you from every member of the Wilson family.

Hugh, Adele, Robin, Catherine, Graham & Jennifer.

Barry

Linda,
 
I first met Barry while I was a student at Greenhills.  All I remember is Barry with a beard, usually vacuuming the carpet. 
Barry was always ready for an adventure, whether a drive to see the Kentucky Derby or climbing to the top of Mount Ranier. 
I guess I am the one responsible for introducing you to Barry.  At the time, we hoped the two of you would get along.  We didn't realize how the sparks would fly.
Barry became a devoted family man and was so proud of Greg and Erica.
I will always remember his fun spirit.  And if I ever had a question about anything sports-related, he would know the answer.
We have known each other for almost 40 years.  I will always be here for you.
 
Love, Barbie

Barry Wicks

Hi Linda,
 
We have many memories of you and Barry but they all share one thing in common.  Barry was always smiling!   He always seemed to have a bright outlook on everything and that made him fun to be around.  Of course he never could drive straight to our house!  He always took the scenic route!  We already miss him!
 
Carol and Keith

Linda, I just wanted to express my sorrow for the loss of your husband. May your memories give you the strength and comfort you and your family needs.

We all love you here at Washtenaw County!

Sandy Reeber

Sandy Reeber, LLMSW
Community Services Professional

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Barry at His Best

Tucker was turning 50 at around the time we were getting ready to move from the Racquet Club. I asked all the invitees to bring their best Tucker stories to share at the party, which was held on the large front lawn of the house. Barry really took the assignment to heart, and came with a multiple-choice style, audience participation Tucker Trivia Quiz which encompassed some of the best Tucker lore. It was the centerpiece of the festivities for me, given in the mock-serious delivery that Barry had mastered. I am still chuckling about some of those tales, many of which I heard for the first time on his telling. Humor being among the very best gifts one human can give another, I will always remember Barry most fondly for this and all the other times we laughed together, and he would let out that sheepish chuckle.

Bobbie Tucker

Memories of Barry

Barry and I used to regularly have breakfast in a restaurant. One day when he was working for his father's water treatment business, he came in with inscribed pens that acknowledged him in the name "Lloyd and Associates". He made that mock-chagrined face when he read the inscription: "Lloyd and Ass."

Once during our single days, Barry and I took a vacation to Florida. I was in charge of getting the tickets. When I gave Barry his ticket, he learned that I had identified him to the agent as Beatrice DoGood, which was the name he had to use for both flights. (same mock-chagrin)

During the summer months, on every holiday, Barry was working the long tongs at the grille at the Racquet Club, as 'head chef' for the hot dog and hamburger feast. He always wore his signature straw hat, with plenty of holes for ventilation.

Barry, we all miss you and your laugh. Please save us a place, and I will bring the beer.

John R. Tucker

A Wonderful Man and Family

Barry is a wonderful man with an equally wonderful family. As Laurie Wicks brother, I have the pleasure of being part of the family and have numerous great memories especially at Christmas time. Barry and my mom will always be there with us. All the Wicks are very special and gracious people! I often tell Laurie and Kevin they are blessed to be part of such a great family. As everyone knows, Barry’s sense of humor is unique and very much appreciated by me. I will always remember the Christmas when Barry received “Billy the Bass” as a gift. We laughed and laughed, and I laugh every time I reminisce about it. My sincere condolences to Linda, Greg, Erica, Fran, Loyd, Kevin, Karen and all the Wicks family. And, thank you for welcoming me into your special family. I smile whenever I think of Barry. Regards,

Mark Winters

Golf Partner

I have wonderful memories of the many rounds of golf that my brother
Charles and I enjoyed with Barry. We always kidded each other and
laughed continuously during our rounds. Also, my condolences to Loyd & Fran (who I had the pleasure of playing golf with at AACC over the last 20 years). I
know my brother is hurting over the loss of his life long friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and her children. Barry was a "stand-up" guy. I will miss his unique humor.

God Bless

Tom & Cindy Phibbs

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Missing an Angel

Barry was a man that was full of life and love. He shared his humor and his wonder about the world. He gave freely of his wisdom and faith, and impressed us with his devotion to his family. Sometimes we have to look hard to see Gods gifts all around us. Barry made it easy to see that there are Angels here with us. We will miss him,       Todd and Terri Hoag

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. "

~Kahlil Gibran

My thoughts are with you . . .

Shari Gordon

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

missing you

Linda, Greg, Erica, Fran, Loyd and the rest of the Wicks family: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and that my heart goes out to you. Barry was a wonderful person and it was a great honor to know him. I will always remember his great sense of humor. Whether I was over at your house, at church or just seeing him around town, I knew that he would always get me to laugh and bring a smile to my face. There was never a dull moment when he was in the room! :) Barry was so welcoming and I will never forget the kindness he showed or the love he had for his family. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Love to all of you,
  Becci Nutting   

Barry and Family

What would Barry say? I find myself asking this question as I remember his unique sense of humor and determination. He was one of a kind, a kind and generous man  we all were lucky to know and call friend and co-worker. Whether as king of the BBQ or chasing the next birdie on the golf course Barry made it all fun. He was no quiter. I know heaven has a golf course and Starbucks coffee cause Barry is there. Miss him terrible. Prayers and condolences to all.
John & Sue Covert

I will miss Barry...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Greg, Erica and the rest of the family. Many past memories come to mind...on the golf course, cooking at Racquet Club, Michigan football games (post game), following the buzzards in Hinckley, Ohio, watching him coach middle school basketball, the pride he had for his children, and the love for Linda.

I will miss Barry...
Jim Blow~

Monday, May 11, 2009

~ Our 25th Anniversary in Hawaii~
My wonderful husband and partner for life - I will love you forever and always!
~Linda