Russell S. Bickford Jr.

CLINTON – Russell S. Bickford, Jr., 76, passed away after a short illness Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Maine General Hospital in Augusta. Russell was born on Dec. 2, 1947, in Waterville, son of Russell S. Bickford, Sr. and Laura (Downing) Bickford.

He graduated Class of ‘65 from Clinton High School, then immediately entered the United States Navy where he served proudly for the next four years until he was honorably discharged in 1969. In 1974 he graduated from KVTC with a certificate in carpentry. With his education he was able to help family members and friends build their garages and remodel their homes.

Russell began his career as a carpenter working for LL Gerald, and then for a short time at Scott Paper in Winslow. The job that he retired from after 30 years was the Maine Central Railroad as an engineer, at times working with his father as the conductor on the same train.

For the next seven years he wintered in Florida to be close to his aging father. When his father had to come back to Maine due to declining health, Russell decided it was time for him to give up his winters in Florida as well. It was a time to enjoy the winters at home in Clinton with his family and friends.

Russell was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge No. 146 in Clinton as well as recently becoming a member of the ELKS Lodge No. 905 in Waterville. He loved to go there for Wednesday Wing Night, Buck Night, and Sportsman’s Night.

One of his greatest enjoyments was spending time on Moosehead Lake at the Watson’s family camp. Russell so enjoyed the ice fishing, the rides on the party boat, and just being there. He also enjoyed going to the Bickford camp (God’s Little Acre), in Monson where some of the 4-wheeling trips took place that he loved to participate in. Anywhere North is where he wanted to be. Another passion he had was a good game of golf with friends and family.

He was predeceased by both his parents and brothers Meredith, Alan, David, and Randy.

Russell is survived by his sisters Lynn Bickford and partner Charlie Weymouth of Clinton, Marsha Duprey and husband Leo of Clinton; children David Bickford and wife Katrina of Clinton, Brian Bickford and wife Tara of Clinton, Lorriann Watson and husband David “Skip” of Canaan, and Julie Bickford and fiancé Cody Williamson of Madison; grandchildren Brittany Laney, Monique Bickford, Briannah Dostie, Thomas Bickford, Derek Bickford, Suther Bickford, Devon Watson, Lauren Watson, Dylan Bickford, Kaiyley Bickford, Landon Dunham, Colton Williamson, and Carter Williamson; 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his long-time friends Butch Whittaker, Don Proctor, and William “Smitty” Smith.

Russell’s untimely passing has left such a big hole in the hearts of all who cared for and loved him. He was a good dad, Grampy, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. We will all miss him so much.

Rest in Peace and God Speed. Until we all meet again.

A Graveside Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery, RT 100 in Clinton.

There will be a Celebration of Life from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 5, 2024, at the Waterville ELKS Lodge No. 905 – Industrial Drive, in Waterville.

Please visit Russell’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/russell-bickford where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.