Allen Byron Hicks

We, the family of Allen Byron Hicks are heartbroken to announce his passing, on December 1, 2023.

A true “Mira Road Boy”, Allen grew up in his family home on Duffle Drive, Sydney, before leaving for school to study Marine Biology at Dalhousie University.  After finishing school, Allen worked at several fish farms around Cape Breton where he met some great friends.

He later found his true calling in showing his love through food.  Allen studied at the Culinary Institute at Holland College in PEI and found great joy in preparing meals and sweets within his own kitchen and many restaurants and bakeries throughout his career.  Allen’s homemade chocolates and fudge are among his best creations.  He shared a special bond with mother-in-law Lillian Dillon and made sure to send her special packages full of his baked goods every Christmas for many years.  Allen thought it to be a crime to have a cup of tea without something sweet to eat.

Allen had a special love for his parents, and was a devoted son serving as their caregiver for several years. His life journey took him back to the kitchen, working with his sister, Jean, with their own catering business for a few years in Halifax before returning back to Sydney.

Although he loved to bake, there was nothing more important to him than his family.  Allen often expressed how proud he was of his grandchildren, nieces and nephew.  He loved to hear stories of their, and their children’s accomplishments and he would bare a smile from ear to ear when sharing these stories with others.

Allen had a deep connection with the outdoors.  He found comfort in being in nature.  His happy place was at Yankee line, outside of Baddeck where his cottage, built by his father, is located.  Every summer since childhood included visits to the cottage and summer days spent cutting grass, puttering in the shed, and swimming in the local river.  Many nights ended with a roaring bonfire and of course roasted marshmallows.

Allen leaves behind his soulmate, his best friend and partner of almost 30 years, Margo Bruce.  He is also survived by his sister Jean (Charlie) O’Handley, step-son Chris Bruce, step-daughter Angela Bruce, grandchildren Caleb, Jayla and Isaac, Nephew; Ryan (Tatum) O’Handley, Nieces; Jennifer O’Handley (Gary), Amy (Jon) O’Handley-Caines and great nieces and nephews Hannah, Maelle, Sophie, Trent, and Jakub 

Allen is preceded by his parents Russel Hicks, Yarmouth Co, and Enid (Killam) Hicks, Sydney; maternal and paternal grandparents.

Allen,

We will think about you always.

We will talk about you still.

We have not forgotten.

And we never will.

We hold you close in our hearts.

And there you will remain.

To guide us through our lives

Until we meet again.

Upon Allen’s wishes, there will be no service.  Cremation has already taken place.  Donations in his honour can be made to The Heart & Stroke foundation or any food bank of your choice.