[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ALFRED HICKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Alfred ``Fred'' Hicks, from Westbury, New York. Mr. Hicks was the 
accomplished president of Hicks Nurseries Inc., as well as a devoted 
leader in his community and a loving father. Mr. Hicks passed away on 
October 1st due to complications from a rare blood disorder. He was 64 
years old.
  Mr. Hicks demonstrated a lifelong interest in the gardening industry. 
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and a Master of 
Business Administration degree in Marketing from Cornell University. In 
1963, he took over running his family's establishment, Hicks Nurseries 
Inc., which was founded by his ancestors in 1853. As the fifth 
generation in his family to run the business, Mr. Hicks transformed the 
small family nursery into a leading operation using his quiet strength, 
skills, and dedication. Hicks Nurseries Inc. is now the oldest nursery 
and gardening center and the oldest family owned business on Long 
Island.
  A long and distinguished history of community and industry leadership 
and service follows Fred Hicks. He served as president of the American 
Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), and was inducted into the 
Association's Hall of Fame last year. He also served as president of 
Garden Centers of America, past president of the Long Island 
Nurserymen's Association and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of 
Nassau County, chairman of the Environmental Commission of the Village 
of Westbury, board member of HMO Vytra Health Care, and advisory board 
member of Old Westbury Gardens. A particular interest in health issues 
led him to serve as a medic in the United States Army in 1960, and 
later on the Board of Winthrop University Hospital. Mr. Hicks was named 
the hospital's Trustee of the Year on October 23rd.
  Mr. Hicks has also served his community with great dedication 
throughout his life. His parents, Edwin and Eloise Hicks, were 
instrumental in establishing the Westbury Friends School. Fred Hicks 
gave much of his time to building and organizing the school, and served 
on its Board of Managers. All of his children attended the school, and 
all of his grandchildren are presently students there as well. Mr. 
Hicks believed children learn best by doing, and applied this principle 
when working with students at the school. His generosity, caring, and 
desire for students to succeed together were truly inspiring.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the amazing 
dedication and numerous accomplishments of Alfred Hicks. Mr. Hicks was 
a role model in his community and has set a great example for all of 
us. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Marilyn, and a loving 
family. His three children, Karen Courts, Stephen Hicks, and Marianne 
Folk, have taken over running Hicks Nurseries Inc. His family, friends, 
co-workers, and the residents of Westbury community are sad to see him 
go. He is remembered warmly and will be missed dearly.

                          ____________________