Obituary of Arnold Lee Bickford

ARNOLD L. BICKFORD aka “RUSTY”, 83 of Belmont, ME peacefully passed away on September 27, 2023, under the compassionate care of the Maine Veterans Hospital in Augusta, Maine. 

Arnold was born on October 30, 1939, to Granville Bickford and Ruth Arnold Bickford in Brewer, Maine.  He is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Hatfield and husband, Cliff, of Levant, ME, and Tanya Candage and husband, Bob, of Levant, Maine.  His two daughters, Amy Gaff and husband, Burnie, of Bedford, NH, and Jennifer Davenport and husband, Marc, of Bucksport, Maine.  Four grandchildren, Kimberly Winchenbach and husband, Dalton, of Bucksport, Brandon Davenport of Bucksport, Lukas, and Alexis Gaff of Bedford, NH.  Two great-granddaughters, Lillian and Daisy Balzarini both of Bucksport, ME.  He also had nieces and nephews, Crystal Porto and husband, Robert, of Maryland, Donald Anderson and wife, Janice, of Virginia, Marc Anderson and wife, Lisa of Hampden, and Erik Candage of Ellsworth, ME.   

He served in the US Army and worked for the United States Postal Service retiring as a Postmaster in Morrill, Maine.  This is where he met his partner of 19 years, Jeanne O’Brien.  She predeceased him but left him with six children he called his own, Donna, Danny, Mike (predeceased), Kathy, Judy, and Patty.  Most recently his days were spent with friend and companion, Rhoda Fields, who had a very special place in his heart.

Anybody who knew Arnold understood his obsession with automobiles.  His love of cars brought home many trophies of which he was so proud.  He also enjoyed fishing with his special friend Deb and finally, his dog, Bailey, who will deeply miss him. 

He respectfully requested no services but will be buried with honors at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery at 143 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta, ME.   

Any donations can be sent to the Togus VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Service (135), 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME  04330