NEWPORT, VT — Glendon Reginald Bickford, 95, of Coventry, Bel-Aire Nursing Home, in Newport, VT and formerly from White River Jct., VT passed into eternal rest on November 20, 2018. He was born on November 16, 1923 in Coventry, VT to Robert and Evangeline (Tyler) Bickford, Sr. He was one of nine children and cherished his memories of farm life and maple sugaring.
Glendon was drafted to serve in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was stationed at a naval shipyard in Bremerton, WA. and recalled one of his first assignments as a sign painter. He liked sketching and often drew pictures for his three children on various cards and letters leaving his personal trademark.
Glendon lived in White River Jct., for 58 years and was a policeman and firefighter at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He retired after 30 years of government service in 1981 enjoying 37 years of devotion to those who were sick and in need of care, visiting family, and vacationing. Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, walking in the woods and gold panning. He also enjoyed regular attendance at the Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, VT. He was loved by family and friends and looked forward to annual reunions held on the old family farm and property in Coventry.
He is survived by his children: Glen (Rick) Bickford and his wife Joanne of Coventry, VT, Cindy Bickford-Bushey and her husband Frank Bushey Jr., of Plattsburgh, NY, Karen Bickford-White and her husband David A. White of Sarasota, FL, and two stepchildren: Garnet Turner and Cheryl Jenks. He had eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He leaves four siblings: Elwood Bickford and his wife Rusty of Springfield, VT, Arthur Bickford and his wife Margaret of Turlock, CA, Evangeline Wood of Derby, VT, and Betty Morel of Underhill, VT.
Glendon was predeceased by his parents Robert L. and Evangeline(Tyler) Bickford, an infant son David Gary Bickford, his siblings, June, Merlin, Robert Jr. and Daniel Bickford. His first wife, Laura (Pope) Colepaugh, his second wife, Wilma (Hanchett) Bickford and his dear friend, Jacqueline English.
A celebration of his life will be held from 1-3 P.M. on December 1, 2018 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford & Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport. Full military honors will be held. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05001. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford & Bouffard Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.