In memoriam: Ronnie Hicks MW

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Ronnie Hicks MW has passed away.

After a stint in the Merchant Navy, Ronnie completed his National Service where he met fellow officer Dicky Nicholson who encouraged him to join the Wine Trade. Joining John Harvey & Sons Ltd was a pivotal moment as not only did it cement his chosen career, it was also where he met life-long friend and business partner Robin Don MW. After becoming an MW in 1966, he and Robin began Hicks & Don Ltd. The business flourished from its Wiltshire and Norfolk offices as they became pioneers of Bordeaux en-primeur. In more recent years Ronnie ran a wine storage and consultancy business alongside his wife Malvina and daughter and continued to work up until the end of his life.

Ronnie lived in the same Wiltshire village all his life where a private funeral will be held. A thanksgiving service will follow.

He is remembered by his customers and business associates as a true gentlemen with a deep knowledge and down to earth attitude.

Thanksgiving service
A thanksgiving service is being held by Ronnie’s family on the 27 June at 2.30pm at Edington Priory (BA13 4QN).

Memories from Masters of Wine

By Sebastian Payne MW
Ronnie was a delightful man. I remember a crazy few days spent on Mull, mostly in pouring rain, as guests of Robin and Judy Don, where Ronnie and daughter Lily, my two daughters (of similar age to Lily) and I had a wonderful time. We foraged for girolles, and looked for oysters, and our daughters swam with Lily in the freezing burn. In the evenings we ate and drank extremely well with much laughter. Both Robin and Ronnie had excellent palates and ran a personal and individual business extremely well. A brief but vivid memory.

If you have any memories you would like to share with us for Ronnie Hicks MW Memoriam page or wish to pay your respects to his family please send these to myself or Luke (LStephen@mastersofwine.org) and we will make these arrangements.