Marshall “Commodore Ollie” Wicks, 86, passed away from complications of COPD at Venice Regional Medical Center Friday, Jan. 4, 2013.

He was born March 15, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., to his parents, Gerald and Althea Wicks.

Early on, he entered the U.S. Navy and served as navigator on a rocket launcher ship in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres during World War II. Following discharge, he entered and graduated from Hillsdale College in 1950, and did post-graduate work at Michigan State.

He was married for 52 years to Joyce, who predeceased him in death. They raised two children.

His professional career as a design engineer specializing in industrial production systems was highlighted with the introduction of manufacturing robotics to the automotive industry.

He retired early to Venice and enjoyed 37 years in the community. He loved his community involvement and support of Loveland Center. He was a devoted member of the Elks and the Eagles, and loved his golf adventures at both Boca Royale and Myakka Pines golf club.

Renowned for his sense of humor and compelling ability to enjoy humor, to live and to love, he was a mean cribbage player and the owner of a truly competitive attitude and the energy to take on any low-handicap sandbagger, or a full glass of fine spirits. He holds the standing fishing record (among friends) of an 865-pound blue marlin caught in Ghana in 2006 at age 80.

He was also the founding member and first commodore of the Houghton Lake Yacht Club, Michigan.

He is survived by his children, Pam and Marshall Jr., as well as three grandchildren, Trevor, Hunter and Spencer. He is sorely missed by his life partner and travel companion, Joanne Koshewicz.

Services: A private memorial service will be held in North Higgins Lake, Mich., in July.

Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to the Loveland Center, Venice.