OAKLAND – Gerald “Gerry” M. Bickford, 90 of Oakland, died peacefully on July 5, 2022, at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta. He was born on Nov. 27, 1931, in North Belgrade, to Dennis P. and Ruth G. (Lunn) Bickford.

Gerry grew up and worked on the family dairy farm with his parents and two brothers, Chester, and Roger. He helped care for the animals, aided in growing vegetables, and harvested firewood. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse that was located next door to the family farm. In 1949 Gerry graduated from Belgrade High School and went on to attend Thomas College where he attained an associate degree in Accounting and Business Administration. It was here that he met his beloved wife, Hilda Baldic. On June 21, 1952, Gerry and Hilda were married at the Second Baptist Church in Waterville. In October of the same year, Gerry was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Korea. In 1954, he came back from Korea and he and Hilda built a home in Oakland, where they settled and started a family. They had three children, Robin, Glen, and Heidi.

Gerry had many employment opportunities throughout his lifetime. His first job was in Bingham, as an accountant. He then went on to work for Texaco, Inc. in Boston. Next was with Hathaway Shirt Co. of Waterville, and then the Maine Revenue Service, Income Tax Division, with the State of Maine. He was a member of the Maine State Grange as well as the American Baptist Men of America. He and Hilda contributed generously to their church and were dedicated to their faith. They participated in many community projects as active members of Oakland Cascade Grange and The United Baptist Church of Oakland.

Gerry was predeceased by his wife Hilda and his brothers Chester and Roger.

He is survived by his three children. Robin Bickford, and her life partner Adonna Manzo of Oakland, Glen Bickford, and his wife Karen Bickford of Fairfield, Heidi (Bickford) Roberts and her husband John Roberts of Manchester. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.

Funeral services Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, Maine. Public Visitation: 10-11 a.m., service 11 a.m. Burial immediately following the service at the Lewis Cemetery, Cottle Road, Oakland, Maine.

Out of State family and loved ones can attend this service virtually. We have built a new Facebook Event who cannot travel to Maine for the service, please join us on the Gerald Bickford Funeral Facebook page at this link.

htpp://www.fb.me/e/1IMFC90il

If you have trouble with the link, please send an email to infinitesign@yahoo.com .

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta, who provided excellent care and comfort to Gerald.

Thank you to all the caring staff and many friends at Goudreau’s Boarding Home in Winslow.

Thank you to the Alfond Cancer Center in Augusta, for the many months of care, concern and assistance with Gerald’s health and treatment.

Arrangements are in the care of the Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the United Baptist Church of Oakland,

45 Church St,

Oakland, ME 04963.

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