Obituary of Kelby Hicks

There is not enough space in this whole paper to share all of Kelby's experiences and express how much he was loved by so many. He lived a rich, full life and while he leaves this world at just 31, he walks on, owning a lifetime of memories. Kelby passed away suddenly on Monday April 15 on Volcan de Colima, in Mexico. We find comfort in the knowledge that he died doing what he loved; monitoring and admiring the beauty of nature. Kelby was an extraordinary person with remarkable talents. He lived in Brandon, Suffolk (UK), but was formally of Reedsville, WV. Born in Morgantown April 10, 1982 to Ron and Rochelle Hicks, and brother to Courtlin; Kelby rapidly developed a passion for life and an adventurous spirit. He became an Eagle Scout with Troop 46; a highly acclaimed achievement which recognised his outdoor skills and leadership talents. Kelby graduated from Preston High School in 2000, not only with a wealth of qualifications but an extensive and genuine friendship group. In 2001, Kelby joined Laurel Highlands River Tours as a river guide. Many of his fondest memories were made on the river and in many ways the Cheat was his spiritual home. He was a gifted student, and attended West Virginia University, majoring in Geology. He loved his time at WVU and was an exceptional and lively member of his class. He graduated in 2005, but before this, Kelby spent twelve months at the University of Hawai'i. He was able to continue his studies in Geology and developed a love for volcanoes. But his love soon had to be shared between eruptions and that of his heart when he met his British-born soulmate, Anna Coulbeck. Anna and Kelby maintained a long-distance relationship for several years before Kelby moved to the UK in 2007 to be with his girl and study for a Masters in Geophysical Hazards at University College, London. This qualification acted as a springboard into the field of Volcanology and Kelby began to travel the world, learning new skills and practicing those lessons on volcanoes from Vanuatu to Chile….and most places in between. Never wanting to sit still, Kelby returned to work at the West Virginia Geological Survey, where he had initially gained experience following his undergraduate degree. He loved his "office in the corner" where he could divide his day looking at maps with gazing out of the window. Unsurprisingly, his colleagues became his friends and they all thought of him as both a skilled geologist and a trusting and loyal comrade. Anna and Kelby married on the 4th of July 2009 at the family farm. Many of Anna's friends and family made the journey across the "pond" and made an instantaneous connection with both West Virginia and Kelby's extensive friendship group. The wedding was a unique and sincere celebration and will be remembered with fondness by all those who attended. In 2010, Kelby won a place at the University of Cambridge (UK) as a Ph.D candidate. His research was based in Colima, Mexico, where he monitored the active volcano which poses a risk to the population of Colima and surrounding areas. His work was of great worth, and the scientific community will mourn the loss of an extraordinary scientist. His wife, Anna, is also a volcanologist and will continue to pursue his goals, holding him in her heart always. On Saturday 27th, Kelby's family will be at the farm helping each other through this difficult time. Extended family and close friends are welcome to visit from 4-7pm. For those who wish to stay on at sunset to celebrate Kelby's life, there will be a private memorial at the pond from 7-10pm. Gathering together his diverse and extensive friendship group was so important to him, and we know this is what he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Friends of the Cheat, 119 S. Price Street, Suite 206, Kingwood, WV, 26537. In the near future, a scholarship will be established to fund promising Geology students. Arrangements are being handled by Field Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to: fieldfuneralhome@aol.com or https://www.facebook.com/kelbyhickspage We will leave you with a couple of Kelby's favourite quotes: "May all your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view….where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you." - Edward Abbey "We can't stop here. This is bat country." - Hunter S. Thompson