Dr. Lloyd R Hicken

On August 16, 2021, the world lost a giant of a man, a hero, even a legend. Dr. Lloyd R. Hicken would be the first to tell you his life was a series of miracles, beginning the day he was born. Three months premature, Lloyd was born to Lila Little and Rulon E. Hicken on an obscure ranch in Alberta, Canada on April 1, 1918. With little medical care available, he attributes his survival to a priesthood blessing.

Lloyd’s life was one-hundred-and-three years of service to country, community, family and church. He was only happy if he was improving his mind or the world around him. His greatest joy came from missionary service and serving the Lord. To know Dr. Hicken was to know a mighty man.

After his childhood and school years in Alberta he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. In the transition of moving, the school systems didn’t line up. He joked that he’s the only doctor who never got a high school diploma.

Lloyd served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil. There he was able to survive malaria multiple times without medical care. Shortly after his return, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp to serve during WWII as a B-24 Liberator pilot in the Pacific theater, completing 27 missions. He ate so much pork, he never had a taste for it again. His life was preserved multiple times, but specifically on one mission when their plane landed and “every gas tank was bone dry.” Lloyd was awarded five Bronze Stars for his service in the military.

Upon his return, he started his medical journey, following his dream of becoming a small town doctor. It was at this time he searched out the enchanting Alice Richards Cannon. In his own words, “I couldn’t believe someone hadn’t snatched her up! I thought, ‘I’ve got to be careful with this one!” After a three week courtship, they were engaged and then married in the Salt Lake Temple.

Lloyd completed his medical doctorate at the University of Utah, and did his residency in Bakersfield, CA. Feeling greatly impressed to live in Bountiful, Utah, they put down roots to build his practice. By this time their family had grown to three children: Kathleen, Stephen, and David.

Seeing a need for medical care in Bountiful, Lloyd was instrumental in founding South Davis Community Hospital and Lakeview Hospital. He was known for his house calls, and even skied down Orchard Drive to deliver one of the more than 3,000 babies in his career.

It was during this time in his life that they lost their little Kathy at age six from cancer. Several years later Rob and then Linda joined the family.

In 1966 Lloyd was called to return to his beloved land of Brazil as a Mission President, where he and his family served for three years. He poured his heart and soul into his missionary work. These were the happiest days of his life, evident by the way he loved his missionaries and they love him.

Lloyd also had the opportunity to serve in stake callings, bishoprics, as a patriarch and temple sealer. He loved to serve in the temple and made efforts to be there even when he was in his 100’s.

After his mission, Lloyd continued his medical profession for many years. His family suffered the great loss of Dave, and later Steve. Some people would become bitter after losing three children to death, but Lloyd allowed these sorrows to polish him.

A life sketch on Lloyd would not be complete without mention of horses, fishing, and the cabin. He loved his horses. He was known for his unsuccessful fishing adventures. And the cabin is a monument to his hard work and love of building and fixing things. He also loved his vegetable garden. Is there anyone on the planet who loves rhubarb more than he did?

Lloyd never stopped improving. Even in his 90’s and 100’s he would do his strength conditioning exercises. He was still water skiing at 93! He even took on a new hobby and learned how to make rocking chairs!

In his lifetime he saw two pandemics, a world war, the golden age of radio, advancement of the automobile, the Great Depression, the invention of television and countless other technologies, the first man on the moon, the building of 164 temples, 19 US Presidents, and 12 Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Few humans can boast of witnessing so much in their lives.

In the last days of his life, he was asked what advice he would give. He pointed his finger and said, “Always remember, the Lord is #1, and everything will turn out all right.” He has left a legacy of faith and we are all honored to have known him.

We rejoice in his long awaited reunion with those preceding him in death, including his beloved Alice and three children: Kathy (6), Dave (24), and Steve (55). As well as his parents, siblings, family, friends and grandsons, Randall and Steven.

He will be missed by his children Rob (Else), Linda (Kim); daughters-in-law Patrica Kasper (Larry) and Jill Downs (Wayne); 24 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Val Verda Stake Center, 2651 South 500 West, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and Saturday morning 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services.

We ask that masks be worn by all who attend the funeral and viewing. Funeral Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99299752930. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.

Additional articles on Dr. Lloyd Hicken’s life:
This 102-yeqr-old man was a bomber pilot in WWII and an obstetrician. Here’s his story

This 102-year-old was a bomber pilot in WWII and an obstetrician. Here’s his story

Pioneering doctor going strong at 101

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.deseret.com/platform/amp/utah/2020/3/1/21153269/longevity-doctor-obgyn-south-davis-community-hospitals-101-mormon-lds