Cody Hickox

Anyone who knew him would agree that Cody Hickox had a beautiful soul. He would drop everything to help someone in need and family and friends never doubted his love for them. He gave the best heartfelt hugs and never failed to say “I love you.” Deeply loved, Cody will be forever missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

In 1992, Americans cheered on the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team, nicknamed the 'Dream Team” as they went on to win gold at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Hip-hop fashion went mainstream, with oversized baseball jackets, baggy jeans, bomber jackets, and tracksuits popular among young men as casual wear. For Gregory George and Daneen Lynne (Bouwkamp) Hickox, the new year held a lot in store for them as they anxiously awaited the birth of their first child. Cody Lee Hickox made his debut on January 9, 1992 in Grand Rapids. Gregory worked as a Telecommunication Technician to support his growing family and Daneen stayed home to run the household. Four years later, in 1996, the Hickox family grew when sister Keaten joined the family. The family eventually settled in their home on Curtis St., NE in Grand Rapids, where Cody would remain for most of his life.

From the time he was a baby, Daneen would lovingly read to Cody every night, a routine that they carried on into his early teens. Undoubtedly this fostered his love of reading throughout his life. Cody‘s love of nature also began when he was just a small child. Daneen would take him for walks on the trails behind their apartment pointing out and naming different plants, trees, and birds along the way. Cody loved to pick the raspberries that grew by the trail, eating many along the way, but also saving a few for a snack at home. On one of these walks, Cody‘s dad, Greg joined them. He had Cody up on his shoulders and he was carefully walking down a slippery embankment. Everything was going well until a large deer snorted and startled Greg. His feet started to slip, and he struggled to keep from falling. Cody thought this was all hilarious, laughing hysterically.

As is the case, with many young children, Cody was not able to pronounce the letter L as a small child. It came out more like a W so the family affectionately joked that he sounded like Elmer Fudd! Cody’s childhood was a happy one. He attended West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science through his junior year. He spent his summers swimming, camping, hiking, riding his bike and skateboarding. Winters would find him snowboarding and enjoying some of his indoor pastimes like doing arts and crafts, listening to music, or reading. Some of his favorite books included Anamorphs, Spiderwick Chronicles, and Artemis Fowl. Cody tried his hand at baseball one year in school but decided that definitely was not for him.

Every summer, vacations were spent camping, often times at Brower Park. One year their travels also included a memorable trip to Cedar Point. Holidays were spent with quiet mornings at home followed by visits to both grandparents’ homes later in the day. Some of Cody‘s favorite times we spent fishing with Grandpa Bouwkamp. Cody had a knack for electronics and could often be found immersed in playing video games.

Following graduation from Northview High School in 2012, Cody held down a number of jobs throughout his life including working at Central Interconnect, Forever Ink Tattoo, and Shakedown Street Gift Shop. He also worked at the Electric Forest Music Festival as the Water Wizard. However, probably his favorite job was being a DJ. He went by the stage name of Reptahr and he loved performing the “dub step”, referring to it as wonky beats. For a few years, he worked at the Haunt Haunted House, and even learned to walk on stilts for one of his characters.

Grandparents play a unique role in their grandchildren’s lives and for Cody that was especially true of his Grandpa Ron Bouwkamp. The two had a special relationship and his grandpa’s death in 2019 was a difficult blow for Cody. He lost one of the favorite people in his life.

Cody was fortunate to find a true friend in Russ Hankins. They were best friends from birth and they even got matching tattoos that said HANKOX, a combination of the two last names. Cody was thrilled to be a part of Russ’ recent wedding.

Cody Hickox was passionate about many things – animals, music, Polish food, tattoos and piercings, his beloved Jeep, chop suey, traveling, art and music festivals and concerts. Without a doubt though, his biggest passion was his love of his family and friends. His untimely passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Cody will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Cody L. Hickox aged 31, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his sister Keaten (Nick) Holst and their son Dexter as well as by his Grandmother Donna Bouwkamp. Cody is preceded in death by his grandparents Ron Bouwkamp and George and Delores Hickox.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, (1833 Plainfield Ave NE., Grand Rapids, mi 49505).

Family and friends may gather with Cody’s family prior to the service beginning at 11 AM.

Contributions in his memory may be made to MusiCares Development, (3030 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404).

Please visit www.heritagelifestory.comto read Cody’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook.