WATERVILLE – Gregory Jon Bickford, 63, from Greenbush and Waterville passed away peacefully at his home on March 5, 2021. He was born to Mahlon and Darlene (White) Bickford on May 15, 1957 in Mildenhall, England.

He went to Lawrence High School in Fairfield. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years as a jet mechanic and following his Naval service graduated from CMVTI with a degree in machine tool and later attended University of Maine at Orono. He worked as a millwright at James River Paper Mill in Old Town from 1984 until the mill closed. He worked at BAC and finished his career as a machinist at GE in Bangor.

He loved spending time with his family, playing games and telling his inexhaustible supply of stories. He could captivate a crowd with his humor and enthusiasm that kept even the old stories new with fresh embellishment at each telling. Greg loved to “tweak” all things which to him meant taking something perfectly good and make it perfectly ‘best’. He was an avid reader and thinker on all subjects. He loved his loyal friend Todd the cat who stayed by his side until the end.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda (Marin) Bickford; his daughter, Allison, daughter-in-law Becky Deschainee grandchildren, Haddie and Eli; his father, Mahlon (predeceased), mother, Darlene; his siblings, Jodi Dean, Gracie Gillis, Carlton (Grace) Bickford and Ruthie Bickford; his friend that was like a brother, Jimmy (Debbie) Grant. He also is survived by numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and many friends whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with.

The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice Care for helping to take such good care when we all needed it the most.

Arrangements are being handled by Riposta Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.