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David Wick

Posted 2008-11-20 by Judy Wight Branson
The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona
Sunday, June 10, 2007

June 15th 1921 - May 21st 2007

Our loving father and devoted friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 21st 2007 at his home in Sedona, Arizona. He was 85 years old. Dave was born on June 15th 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Henry C. Wick, Jr. and Florence Ovington Wick. He was the fifth of seven children.

Dave and his brothers Douglas, Henry, Bob, Bill, and Jim, and sister Virginia lived in Cleveland, Ohio where Dave attended the University School from grade school through high school. While attending the University School, Dave was elected President of his junior and senior classes. After graduating from University School, he moved to Tucson, Arizona to study mining engineering at the University of Arizona. While attending the U of A, Dave joined the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta where he was elected President of his chapter. As Captain of the University's wrestling team and a member of the Army ROTC, Dave was active in sports and committed to serving his community.

Dave left the University of Arizona in 1943 to attend Officers Candidate School at Fort Riley, Kansas. Upon graduation, he began his service as a Second Lieutenant in the Armored Cavalry in the European Theater of WWII. He was stationed for a time at First Army Headquarters as an aide to General Hodges. Dave was very proud of his service to his country, and of the commendation and Battlefield Promotion that he received at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. After the war ended, he served until 1946 in military government for the beginning of the reconstruction of Germany. He attained the rank of Captain during his military service.

Upon his discharge of duty, Dave returned to the University of Arizona to finish his Bachelor's of Science degree. At the University he met and married the former Lucille (Lucy) Moore of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dave and Lucy moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and Dave began working with his brother Henry Wick at the Judson School as a Science and Math teacher. Dave earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Education at Arizona State University and served as Headmaster for Judson School for more than 20 years.

In 1972, Dave founded Oak Creek Ranch School, a private coeducational boarding school for under-motivated teens. The school is located in central Arizona near Sedona. Dave remained as the school's Director until 2005. During his residence in Sedona, Dave was a member of the Rotary Club, Elks Club and Bola Tie Society of Sedona, Arizona.

David and Lucy Wick were married for 55 years until her death in 2002. They had four children, David Jr, Jay, Robert, and Anne. Dave is pre-deceased by his wife Lucy, son Robert, brothers Bob, Bill, and Henry, and sister Virginia. He is survived by his brothers Douglas and Jim, his sons David Jr. and Jay, daughter Anne, and seven grandchildren, Jay, Katy, Robert Jr, Ashley, Douglas, Melanie and Jim.

Dave will always be remembered for his strength, clear purpose, enthusiasm for his work, sense of humor, compassion for children and great love for his family.

Private services will be held on June 15th. A brunch will be held for friends and family in Sedona, Arizona on Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 a.m.. For more information, please e-mail dwick@ocrs.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to The RTA Hospice Foundation, 70 Bell Rock Plaza, Sedona, AZ 86351-9066. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.




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