HOLLIS- Alfred C. “Call Me Charlie” Bickford, age 62, passed away on January 1, 2016 at Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts surrounded by family and loved ones.
He was born in Westbrook on June 22, 1953, a son of the late Charles and Winonah “Nonie” (Wallace) Bickford. He was raised in Hollis with his younger brother and three sisters. Not only was Charlie their big brother, he was their protector and always looked out for them. He graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 1971.
In the summer of 1973, he married the love of his life Barbara and started a family of his own. Although they lived in many places throughout Buxton and Hollis, and even for a while in Florida, they finally settled down in their forever home in Hollis. Charlie could always be found mowing his lawn, mulching leaves or grooming the woods around his home, all the while enjoying the tranquility of being outside with nature.
Charlie worked as a paver like his father for many years; owned and operated a successful restaurant in Florida; however, he was best known as a self employed carpenter and had the great pleasure of working shoulder to shoulder with his brother Allan and Barbara's three brothers over the years. He took great pride in his work and no job was too big or too small. He had the ability to bring life to any project he worked on. There has not been a tool that has been made that Charlie didn't own or operate.
He was truly an outdoors-man and enjoyed all forms of fishing and hunting. He always looked forward to camping trips with family and friends especially if there was going to be a game of "camp bocce ball". He loved to play cribbage and played in numerous tournaments years ago with his grandfather. He also had a hard time passing up a chance to play Friday dice games with the guys.
Charlie was a kid at heart and always said he should have been born later in life for he loved playing video games especially with his gaming partner and grandson- Alston. Although he tried to act like a tough guy, Charlie was always the first to shed tear at any of his granddaughter Brianna's dance recitals and never missed a single performance. Charlie and his brother Allan always reminisced about their dream trip across country to Alaska that was a high point in their lives.
He was a member of the Eagles in Saco and will always be remembered for his infectious smile, story telling and outgoing personality. He was a true lover of all animals and always had room in his heart for one more. He was the first to bring home a stray cat and rescue a dog from an abusive situation. The bond was always immediate between him and any creature that he met. He also spent many hours watching the wildlife gather at the feeders, making sure the feeders never went empty.
He is predeceased by his parents; and a sister- Catherine Roberts.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years- Barbara (Moody) Bickford of Hollis; daughters- Tammy Bickford and her companion Paul of Buxton, and April Robinson and her husband Denis of North Waterboro; brother- Allan Bickford and his wife Debra of Buxton; sisters- Donna Sherman and her husband Mark of Buxton, and Terri Ham and her husband Skip of Hollis; grandchildren- Brianna Crosby and Alston Bickford; his second family- the Moody clan; and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 10 at 1:00 PM at Skip's Lounge, Rt. 202, in Buxton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local animal shelters in honor of his name. A collection for the shelters will be taken at the celebration of life.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com