John Randolph “Randy” Hicks

October 14, 1942 – December 10, 2018

John Randolph Hicks, better known as Randy, died the afternoon of December 10, 2018, in San Francisco following a six year battle with prostate cancer; he was 76. He was with family, friends and his beloved cat Luna when he passed away in his home. Randy was born in Storm Lake, Iowa, the son of Donald DeMont and Wilma Dorothy (Drewry) Hicks. The family moved to Dallas, TX, but returned to Iowa when Randy was in elementary school and he lived in Sac City, Iowa, with his parents and sister Julie until high school graduation in 1961.

Randy attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, for two years and then moved to California to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California. He continued his education while working as a social worker for Los Angeles County, receiving a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University in 1989. He worked his entire career (30 years) for LA County, working with abused children his final years.

Upon retirement in 1995 Randy moved to San Francisco; he loved the city and it loved him back. He was very involved in theater, including Feinstein’s, 42nd Street Moon, Society Cabaret, and any venue of theater productions, attending almost every week. His love of theater extended to New York City, which he visited annually in later years with friends. He would go to the city for a week or more and see Broadway shows daily. His love of performing arts extended to movies, opera and even ballet. Without a doubt “Follies” was his all-time favorite show and Barbara Cook his favorite performer; he saw both many, many times. He also attended a play reading class for a number of years and was a member of two support groups.

Randy moved to Martin Luther Tower on Franklin St. in 2010 and became well-known and loved in the building. He served as the resident association’s president for two years and helped many people in the building with various tasks. He was an extremely kind, caring and gentle man with a great sense of humor, and his volunteer background also included several years at 30th Street Senior Center, support of an Alzheimer’s patient, and helping with the MLT Farmers’ Market produce.

Randy leaves behind his sister Julie Masoian and brother-in-law Lee Masoian; niece Anne McCoy and family Brian, Taylor and Jake; his cat Luna; cousins; and a multitude of friends; to name some would be to leave out others but all were so special to Randy. He was preceded in death by his parents, dear aunts and uncles, and many close friends.

There will be a Memorial Service Sunday, January 6, 2019, 3 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco. There is parking in front of the church. A reception will follow from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to 30th Street Senior Center, 225 30th St., San Francisco, CA 94131; The Bock Fund, Martin Luther Tower, 1001 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109 or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.