February 25, 1939 – April 27, 2022

 

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that the family of William (Bill) Frank Bicknell, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dad lost his brave and heroic battle at the age of 83 in Red Deer, Alberta, as a result of a devastating accident.

 

Bill is survived by his loving family, his wife of 61 years, Lorna: his 4 children Sandra; her children Brandie {Landon, Blake, and Chase} Levi (Sasha); {Sawyer}: Shelly (Dave) and their children Christopher (Karly) {Caydence and Koltyn}; Matthew (Jody) {Braelyn and Braxyn}: Wade and his son Michael {Lyra and Deacon}: Perry (Charlene) and their children Ashley (Cody), Chelsea, Hunter (Emma) {Ariana}: 2 brothers Keith (Gail), Ken (Clarice): Two sisters-in-laws Verna, Dorothy (Vance) and brother-in-law Ken (Shirley); along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Bill was predeceased by his father Frank; mother Violet; twin sister Mary, sister Marion: father-in-law Cyril and mother-in-law Jean.

 

Dad was born in Empress, Alberta and raised in the neighboring community of Bindloss. He loved life on the farm.  He said it was hard work and very windy but remembers those times as some of the best years of his life.  Dad spent time working on the ferry crossing in the Social Plains area on the South Saskatchewan River.  Here is where he met mom and pursued his job and the young school teacher he was sweet on.  In 1961, Dad and Mom tied the knot and began their life together.  They moved to Edmonton for dad’s job at Sheritt Gordon and welcomed their first daughter Sandra Lynn.  Dad found himself moving his family all around Alberta.  The first move was to Calgary to help with family and where dad started his carpentry apprenticeship. This is where they welcomed their second daughter, Shelly Maire. The next move was to Brooks, where dad was accepted a position with Alberta Gas Trunk Line. They lived in Princess where the boys, William Wade and a year later Perry Scott, completed the family of six. The family then moved to Turner Valley, Calgary, Smoky Lake and then a farm in Vegreville.  Moving us to farm life for the first time was an adventure to say the least.  Mom was clearly not fond of farm life but she powered through the horses, pigs, geese and ducks and managed to survive the farm life dad had created. As us kids grew up and started our own families, mom and dad continued on with the next move to Edmonton, where dad retired from Nova Corp. with 31 years in the company. Their next stop was Parksville, BC, then Medicine Hat and finally to Red Deer. The last year was spent at Three Robins Senior Complex.  He and mom absolutely love the Robins community.  They made many friends that are very supportive and feel like family to them.

 

Throughout his life dad together with mom loved to watch their kids grow and play sports.  He and mom dragged themselves to the swimming pool at 4:30 am for swim meets. There were hockey games, cadets, school sports, baseball, volleyball, curling, you name it, they supported us. Dad was a dedicated member for the K40’s and did several fundraisers for the community.  He liked to play ball himself. Curling was definitely his winter sport of choice.  He was quite the bonspieler. Carpentry was one of his favorite pastimes and he was very meticulous. Dad was an avid hunter and took several “Man Trips” with friends, Gary and Terry.  They hunted for Moose, Elk, Deer, Pheasant and Ducks.  Dad had skidoos growing up! Arctic Cats; as they were the Best Skidoos out there.  Many family and friend Skidoo trips were enjoyed.  Then there were yearly camping trips to the Shuswap, where we had a permanent lot on Mara Lake, BC.  The good ole Moose-Mouse Days in Sicamous.  We spent hours in the lake and dad was always sure to rent a boat so that we could experience the whole lake.  Dad loved to swim with us kids, well he called it swimming, we called it drowning us or swimming for our lives but hey, it worked in dad’s favor as all four of us can swim and are very strong at it.

 

Family meant everything to dad, he loved spending time with his sister and brothers and extended family.  There were numerous holidays spent creating memories that will never be forgotten.

 

Dad enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whenever he could and the Great Grands were a delight for him.  He always wished he could have had more time with his family but also understood that life quite often got in the way of what he wanted.  Dad wanted nothing more than to see everyone getting along and being happy.  He always had advice about everything.  Sometimes his advice was wanted and sometimes not so much but regardless you were getting his advice. A happy man, dad always made you laugh or at the very least smile.  He was a great friend, a loving husband and dedicated father. A man of great integrity, who loved his family unconditionally.

 

Dad’s final words, “Miss You Already!”

 

A celebration of Life for dad will take place on May 5th, 2022 at Eventide Funeral Home, 4820-45 St Red Deer, AB Rev. Leila Currie officiating.  A private family interment will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

 

• Date : 2022-04-27
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home