Hugh ‘Hughie’ E. Bickford obituary

Hugh “Hughie” E. Bickford
1916-2018

SKOWHEGAN — Hugh “Hughie” Erwin Bickford, 102, passed away Aug. 2, 2018, at Woodlawn Rehabilitation and Living Center surrounded by his family.
He was born July 26, 1916, in Solon, the son of the late Ernest R. and Abbie E. (Gerrish) Bickford.

He spent a few years in Kingsbury, but most of his life in Abbott. He loved playing and winning awards in baseball, cross-country skiing and snowshoe racing.
Hugh married Anna Elizabeth Leavitt on April 26, 1941. He worked on various farms with Anna at his side, until they moved to Skowhegan, at which time he worked at various jobs that would eventually bring him to Medwed Shoe Factory in Skowhegan for 26 years. During that time, Mr. Medwed asked him to manage a factory in Lajas, Puerto Rico. He was given this great opportunity to live with his family in San German from 1966 to 1969. When he and his family came back to Maine, he bought a trailer park, which is now Riverside Terrace Trailer Park. There is a street still there today that is called BLAH Street, which Hugh named after his family, Brenda, Linda, Anna and Hugh.
He was always a dedicated Boston Red Sox fan. If they lost, they’ll win next time. Need to know the score? Ask Hugh.
In 1947, Hugh bought land on Morrill Pond in Hartland. He built a camp for his family that is still enjoyed today by all. He shared many wonderful times with family and friends for life. He played cards, horseshoes, bean bag toss loved to ice fish and snowmobile, hunt deer, fish from his boat and host cookouts. He had a big passion for woodworking all his life. If there wasn’t a tool to get the job done, he would create it.
Hugh’s love of helping others would bring him to the Lions Club of Skowhegan in 1970. As the years went on, he would become King Lion, and made honorary member of the Lions Club. He was also given the highest honor a Lions Club member can receive, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, presented to him by their Lions Club International president in Boston.
He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Thebarge of Skowhegan and Brenda Pelletier and husband Mark of Hartland; grandchildren, Tammy Therrien and husband Ray, Cory McDougal and wife Amy, Darrin McDougal and wife Cherri, Daishun Bickford and wife Wendy, Maranda Arias and husband Jason, Jean Pelletier and wife Melissa; great-grandchildren, Arrianna, Samantha, Raven, Elora, Charisma, Alex, Sheridan and Jean-O; great great-grandchildren, Delilah and Ellie. He was predeceased by the love of his life, wife Anna Elizabeth (Leavitt) Bickford, who passed away in 1998; his parents, brothers, Frank, Eugene, Ivory; and sisters, Opal, Barbara and Gwendolyn.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Cedar Ridge and Woodlawn Nursing Homes. Special thanks to Wendy and Daishun Bickford.
Hugh had a very big heart and always a hand to lend. He will be missed by all who knew him and remembered in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the New Hope Evangelical-Free Church in Solon with Pastor Tim Hunt officiating.
Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Route 23, Canaan.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Hugh’s memory to the Skowhegan Lions Club, PO Box 1025, Skowhegan, ME 04976-1025.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.