BENJAMIN FRANKLIN "FRANK" BICKFORD
SANGERVILLE, Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Bickford, 91, died January 29, 2004 at a Dover-Foxcroft nursing home. He was born February 29, 1912, in Kingsbury, the son of Ernest and Abbie (Gerrish) Bickford. Frank grew up in Abbot, graduating from Abbot High School in 1931 and married Iva Mae (Bishop) on October 13, 1934. Frank and Iva have been residents of Sangerville for over 60 years.

He worked for 37 years as an experimental machinist and toolmaker at Fay Scott in Dexter, retiring in 1977. He was a Past Master and 50 year member of Abner Wade Masonic Lodge and was a Past Patron and 50 year member of Susie Carr Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, both in Sangerville. Frank believed in serving his community and in helping others. He was a Selectman for the town of Sangerville for 15 years and was an active member of the Sangerville Fire Department for many years. He supported and was active in many Town and Maple Street celebrations. He was a member of the Sangerville Universalist Church, both as a Methodist and then as a Unitarian for over 50 years, and spent much time caring for the building. The church members were an extended part of the family. He worked tirelessly to assist in the development of Oakes Manor Senior Citizens Homes in Sangerville and served as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sangerville Development Co-operation.

He and Iva have resided at Oakes Manor since 1982. Frank grew up near Piper Pond in Abbot and in 1953 built a cottage that is very special to family and friends. It was a place where he spent many peaceful and happy days. He was devoted to his family and will be remembered for his enormous love of life, a kindness to everyone and a gentle soul.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Iva of Sangerville; a daughter Ellen and her husband, Harry, the son he always wanted, of St. Albans; his grandchildren, Christopher of Winter Park, Colorado and Jennifer and his great granddaughter Alecia of St. Albans and a very special brother-in-law Charles Bishop and his wife Patricia of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; a brother, Hugh Bickford of Skowhegan; 2 sisters, Opel Rollins of Milo and Barbara Whiting of Abbot; a brother-in-law Cleo Bishop and his wife, Mary Ann of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by 2 brothers, Eugene and Ivory.

Friends may call 4-6 PM, Sunday, February 1, 2004, at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 21 Oak Street in Guilford, where a Masonic service will be conducted by the brethren of Abner Wade Masonic Lodge Sunday at 5:30 PM. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home 11 AM Monday, February 2nd, with the Rev. Dr. Margaret “Dodie” Stowe officiating. At the family’s request, those who wish make donations in his memory to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sangerville, P.O. Box 9, Sangerville, ME 04479 or to the Abner Wade Masonic Lodge of Sangerville, c/o John Greenleaf, Secretary, P.O. Box 251, Monson, ME 04464.

Graveside committal services will be held at 3 PM, Saturday June 26, 2004, at the Abbot Village Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. Alec Craig officiating. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral home, Guilford.