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In Memory of
Bernard "Sonny" E.
Bickford
Bickford
1938 - 2017
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Brookings-Smith
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Obituary for Bernard "Sonny" E. Bickford
Bernard E. “Sonny” Bickford CMSGT(RET)
Corinth – Bernard E. “Sonny” Bickford, 79, died at home after a brief and courageous battle with leukemia August 17, 2017. He was born July 20, 1938, in Bangor, the son of Roy and Beulah (Mittenthal) Bickford. The world lost an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend, musician, and serviceman.
Sonny graduated from Bangor High School. After retiring from the Air National Guard, where he proudly served his country from 1958 – 1998, Sonny continued to play his music and spread his love of music to anyone who would listen. An accomplished steel guitar player, Sonny had started and played in several bands. He won numerous awards for his steel playing, including induction, in 2007, into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, an accomplishment he was most proud of. In 1985, Sonny’s band went to Nashville to compete in the “Country Wrangler Showdown”, representing the State of Maine. He also volunteered for Penquis as a driver for Lynx.
The family would like to give special thanks to Beacon Hospice, especially Mary, and Heidi. When Sonny asked, “Why?” Heidi told Sonny “God needs an angel just like you.” Special gratitude is extended to Greg, Scott who consistently gave special care to Sonny.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by a brother, Gary Bickford. He is survived by his wife and co-pilot, Susie (Sargent) Bickford; his son, Scott Bickford and wife Kim, of Berwick; daughter, Sharon Bickford of Milton, NH; brother William Bickford and wife Charlotte of Cumberland Foreside; two grandchildren Ryan Bean and Nick Bickford; 1 great granddaughter, Hannah Bean; brother, Eddie Bickford of NH; sisters-in-law, Kimberly Cushman of Eddington and Shirley Bickford of Carmel; brother-in-law Don Cushman of Corinth; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved little dog, “Miss Rikki”.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2017, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor with Rev. Jack Williams, chaplain with Beacon Hospice, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., immediately after the service. Those who wish to remember Sonny in a special way make gifts in his memory to the Maine Academy of Country Music P.O Box 2423 Augusta, ME 04438 or the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame P. O. Box 193 Mechanic Falls, ME 04256.
Corinth – Bernard E. “Sonny” Bickford, 79, died at home after a brief and courageous battle with leukemia August 17, 2017. He was born July 20, 1938, in Bangor, the son of Roy and Beulah (Mittenthal) Bickford. The world lost an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend, musician, and serviceman.
Sonny graduated from Bangor High School. After retiring from the Air National Guard, where he proudly served his country from 1958 – 1998, Sonny continued to play his music and spread his love of music to anyone who would listen. An accomplished steel guitar player, Sonny had started and played in several bands. He won numerous awards for his steel playing, including induction, in 2007, into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, an accomplishment he was most proud of. In 1985, Sonny’s band went to Nashville to compete in the “Country Wrangler Showdown”, representing the State of Maine. He also volunteered for Penquis as a driver for Lynx.
The family would like to give special thanks to Beacon Hospice, especially Mary, and Heidi. When Sonny asked, “Why?” Heidi told Sonny “God needs an angel just like you.” Special gratitude is extended to Greg, Scott who consistently gave special care to Sonny.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by a brother, Gary Bickford. He is survived by his wife and co-pilot, Susie (Sargent) Bickford; his son, Scott Bickford and wife Kim, of Berwick; daughter, Sharon Bickford of Milton, NH; brother William Bickford and wife Charlotte of Cumberland Foreside; two grandchildren Ryan Bean and Nick Bickford; 1 great granddaughter, Hannah Bean; brother, Eddie Bickford of NH; sisters-in-law, Kimberly Cushman of Eddington and Shirley Bickford of Carmel; brother-in-law Don Cushman of Corinth; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved little dog, “Miss Rikki”.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2017, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor with Rev. Jack Williams, chaplain with Beacon Hospice, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., immediately after the service. Those who wish to remember Sonny in a special way make gifts in his memory to the Maine Academy of Country Music P.O Box 2423 Augusta, ME 04438 or the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame P. O. Box 193 Mechanic Falls, ME 04256.
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