It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick James Whelan Bickford in the early morning hours of a sunny spring day, April 21, 2021.
Fred was born on July 26, 1941 in Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) to John and Ellen (Whelan) Bickford. His first year was spent at Kawene, Ontario where his father was a CNR station agent and telegrapher. In 1942 the family moved to Manitoba, eventually settling in Beulah, Manitoba. Fred attended St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg for 3 years and then attended St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree.
Following his graduation, he served for 3 years as a Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces, primarily in Val Cartier, Quebec, and as a signals officer with the jump battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment. Fred left the Military to obtain his Master of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba. After teaching High School for a year in Portage La Prairie, Fred entered Law School at Queen’s University, graduating in 1971. He articled in Sudbury, Ontario and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1973. He then spent the next 42 years enjoying a satisfying career as a Labour Lawyer with Weiler, Maloney, Nelson representing many institutional clients and agencies in Northwestern Ontario.
Fred met his wife, Cheryl, in 1969, and, after marrying in 1971, they moved to Sudbury and eventually to Thunder Bay in 1973. Together they raised their 3 cherished children, Sean, Leanne, and Robert.
Fred was a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the LSSR Senate, and was a past president of the Fort William Liberal Association, a past president of the Fort William Boy Scouts, and an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association for 3 consecutive terms, finally serving as a Director on the OBA Board of Directors. He served 3 years as an Alternate Chair of the Ontario Review Board, and was Editor in Chief of Management Rights, a national Labour publication. In 2014 Fred was appointed as Honorary Colonel of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, and in 2015 he was elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada.
An excellent athlete in his youth, playing baseball, football and basketball, and later playing on local lob ball and softball teams, Fred was a great fan and supporter of the LU Thunderwolves and the Border Cats. He delighted in supporting the various sporting activities of his children and shared his own love of skiing and canoeing with them. He enjoyed attending theatre, film, and musical productions, and was a supporter of many local charity events and fund-raising dinners.
His cottage, which he loved, at Cedar Bay on Lake Superior, was the scene of many happy memories of swimming, bonfires and fireworks. He loved to travel by any mode of transportation and enjoyed trips to India, Ireland, Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, his cherished children, Sean (Christine), Leanne (Thomas) Joseph, of Thunder Bay, and Robert (Kyla) of Toronto, as well as his four granddaughters, Jaiya, Kiryn and Maliya Joseph, and Aurora Brown Bickford, and his two step-grandsons, Liam and Conor Singleton. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Joan Whelan Bickford of Winnipeg, and his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosemary Jorgenson and Kathy and Alasdair Smith of Thunder Bay. His cousins Mary (Tom) McKinnon, Helen Coutts, Barb (Will) Stirrett and Rob (Daphne) Bickford as well as many nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his parents, John (1976), Ellen (1989), his brother, John (1979), his parents-in-law, Al (1980) and Kay (2003) Johnson, and his brother-in-law, Terry Jorgenson (2016).
A kind, compassionate, caring and generous man of integrity with a great sense of humour and a love of adventure, Fred will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His contributions in his many endeavours made a significant difference in the lives of many and for that we are truly grateful.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charity of your choice. Because of pandemic restrictions, a private family service will be held.
