D. KEITH BICKFORD

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D. KEITH BICKFORD Peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, December 30, 2007 Keith Bickford passed away at the age of 83 years. He will be sadly missed by his wife Betty of 57 years, daughter Valerie and Stan, brother Ross (Florence), sisters, Barbara, Mona (Cecil), Hazel (Tom), and many treasured neices and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Sam and Lottie Bickford, sisters, Alberta and Ruth, brothers, Cyril and Bill. Funeral service was held on Friday, January 4, 2008 at the Austin United Church. Interment followed in Austin Cemetery. Keith was born on February 1, 1924 in Sidney, MB, the fifth of ten children. He grew up on the family farm in the Arizona district. In 1944 he joined the RCAF until the war was over. He married Betty Kilfoyle in 1950. They farmed for a few years before venturing out to manage North America Lumber yards in Rivers, MB then Asquith, Smiley and Carnduff, SK. It was here their daughter Valerie was born. They returned to the farm which was Keith's passion. In the summers, many weekends were spent camping at Spruce Woods park, Lynch's Point and later Hecla Island park. He enjoyed evenings around the campfire visiting with family and friends. He was also a devoted member of the United Church. For health reasons they left farming in 1976. Keith managed the Austin Credit Union in MacGregor for a number of years after which he worked for security at the Campbell's soup plant in Portage. Keith and Betty retired to Austin, MB in 1988 and enjoyed many years in the community. This also gave them the time to travel to Victoria a number of winters to visit family. With other vacationing Prairie dwellers in the same motel, they would spend some evenings playing cards and pool in the common area. In 2002 when Keith was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, they returned to live in Portage on Crescent Lake. He enjoyed many walks along the lake and frequent visits for coffee to Tim Horton's on the Avenue. Keith was a very kind hearted man who was always willing to help out family and friends. He will be sadly missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be sent to the family, in care of Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com Dedicated to those we serve .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2008