Matthew Benjamin Hicks

Matthew Benjamin Hicks, 49, died suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Taylorsville, Utah, after a lengthy and debilitating struggle with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

Matt was born Sept. 14, 1975, to Chris and Maureen Hicks, and from age 10 was raised by his father Chris and stepmother Joyce, along with six siblings. (With assistance from our dear friend and nanny, the late Carolyn Cox.)

A happy child who was easy to smile and laugh, and, when he wasn’t playing pranks on his sisters, always ready to dive in and help, Matt loved his family and was dearly loved in return.

His siblings have fond memories of playing with him when they were young, often memorizing movie lines and singing goofy, purposely wrong lyrics to songs. He could be a tease, but he was also fiercely protective and kind. As an adult, Matt was still a big kid, playing with his nieces and nephews in whatever home was hosting the latest family gathering. 

And we all enjoyed seeing Matt pair up with his brother Dave to play off each as our very own family comedy team, hilariously trying to top each other as they riffed on pop culture or whatever other subject someone brought up, until everyone in the family, kids and adults, were laughing uncontrollably.

Matt and Dave were especially close, sharing self-described “nerd” pursuits — sci-fi, fantasy, movies, comic books, computer games, and all things computer-related. They were more like twins than brothers six years apart in age.

Matt was very smart and able to figure out complicated problems, which led him to the electronics industry. He honed his skills for a few years before landing at the Park City School District, where he spent more than a decade in the IT department.

He will be remembered by all who loved him as a gentle giant, sweet, empathetic, and with a generous spirit, someone who could always be trusted and relied upon.

Matt was preceded in death by his brother Dave and is survived by his parents Chris and Joyce Hicks, sisters Jennifer (Mike) McMillen, Stephanie (Kriss) Milner, Angela (Nate) Allsop, Melanie Wiggins, his brother Danny Hicks, four stepsisters, a stepbrother and uncountable nieces, nephews and friends.

Per his wishes, Matt’s remains will be cremated and there will be a private family memorial but no formal service.