William Ross Hicken

June 22, 1983 – October 19, 2022

Willam Ross Hicken, 39, passed away on October 19th, 2022 in Salt Lake City.

Bill was born on June 22, 1983, to Karl Hicken and Shirley Carlston in Riverhead, New York. Bill graduated from Wasatch High School (where he helped to form the swim team and became a star swimmer).

In 2002, Bill went on to join the United States Army, serving as an Army Diver. Bill served in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 performing underwater surveys, equipment and body recovery operations, and (his favorite) wakeboarding behind a zodiac boat in the Persian Gulf in between missions. In addition to completing the highly selective Army Diver School, Bill completed Sapper School earning the coveted Sapper Tab. Domestically Bill stayed busy with the Army Corps of Engineers servicing key equipment and facilities across the states and was selected to be in a Spanish speaking Army recruitment video.

Bill finished his service and continued working as a diver in the Gulf of Mexico and as a hyperbaric chamber operator in medical treatment facilities.

Bill is survived by his mother, Shirley Carlston, his father, Karl Hicken, his children Eve, Ezra, and Ella, his siblings Hutch Hicken, Stuart Hicken, and Camilla Thurber, and his grandparents Glen and Carroll Lee Hicken.

Bill was a unique man who loved fiercely, had a quick wit, and lived generously. He was passionate and could make you laugh until your cheeks ached. Though his last years were filled with challenges, he will be known and remembered for his charisma and charm.  Bill pushed boundaries and lived vibrantly. His light was taken too soon. He will be missed.

At this time, the family requests that funeral services remain private. Family and friends are encouraged to share fond memories and photos.