The community is invited to honor River’s Edge Trail founder Doug Wicks with a candlelight/memorial walk on Thursday, September 20.
People are asked to gather at the pelican statue near the federal courthouse (on the west side of the Central Avenue bridge) at 5:30 p.m.
Community members can share memories of Wicks, who passed away on August 29 while trimming bushes on the River’s Edge Trail.
Memorial rocks and candles will be provided. The group will then walk the trail towards West Bank Parking Lot.
The River’s Edge Trail has 55 miles of trail system with 15 bridges and 23 miles of asphalt trail. It also has six tunnels, 13 underpasses, and 18 wood picnic shelters.
For more information about the River’s Edge Trail, you can visit its Facebook page and website.
(August 30, 2018) The Great Falls community is mourning the loss of Doug Wicks, the founder of the River’s Edge Trail.
Becky Nelson, who helped found and work on the trail, said that Wicks died doing what he loved on Wednesday morning, which was cutting down branches at West Bank Park to make the trail better.
She said the 74-year-old leaves behind a huge legacy and called Wicks incredibly humble and generous.
The River’s Edge Trail began more than two decades ago. It now spans 55 miles including 15 bridges, six tunnels, picnic shelters, and more.
Wicks was the first recipient of the Paris Gibson Award in 2010, which is awarded annually to a person who embodies “the vision and excellence of city founder Paris Gibson.” Other criteria include: a long-standing resident of Great Falls; excelled in their area of expertise; contributed to the betterment of Great Falls, and been innovative and creative in their service to the community.
People who would like to honor Wicks are asked to place flowers at the pelican statue along the trail near the Federal Courthouse or make donations to the trail in his name.
You can also email any thoughts concerning Wicks to beckynmt@gmail.com for a book to be made about the lives he touched.
