George Hickland

HOLLAND ââ?¬â?? George R. Hickland, 62, of East Brimfield Rd., died Monday, June 29, at Harrington Memorial Hospital, after a long battle with leukemia.  He leaves his wife of 22 years, Gail (Corriveau) Hickland; two nephews, Kirk Tallis, and his wife, Bridgette, of Michigan, and Mason Hickland, and wife, Wendy, of Virginia; one neice, Nola Hickland, and her partner, Karen Parker, of Holland; a sister-in-law, Renee Hickland, of Florida; In-laws, Normand and Florence Corriveau, of Holland, David Corriveau, of Holland, and Jane and Paul Vautour, of Auburn.  He was predeceased by his only son, Keith Hickland Knowles, one brother, Bruce Hickland, and a nephew, John Hickland.

Mr. Hickland was born on February 14, 1947, in Southbridge, the son of the late George and Blanche (Germain) Hickland, and lived in Holland for most of his life.  He graduated from Tantasqua High School.  He served in the United States Marine Corp in the Vietnam Conflict, earning several medals including the Purple Heart.  He was a driller and blaster, retiring in 2006 from the Thomas Drilling and Blasting Co., of New Hampshire.

Mr. Hickland enjoyed several hobbies including playing poker and pitch, riding his motorcycle, gardening, and spending time with his family and many, many friends, sharing stories with them, reminiscing, and making everyone laugh. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, July 11, in Holland Cemetery, Brimfield Rd., Holland, MA.  The Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home is directing arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association, VA Regional Office, Room 1575B, JFK Fed Bldg., Government Center, Boston, MA 02203.  An online guestbook is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.