Norman Bickford
Norman Bickford, the captain of the F/V Gail, died at his Hampton Bays home on March 3. He was 88.
Captain Bickford served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945 as a motor machinist mate first class V6. Upon his discharge he became a deep-sea commercial fisherman for many years. After retiring from fishing, he developed great talents in both decoy carving and painting. His works have been displayed in the Southampton Cultural Center and the Hampton Bays Library.
He was married to Robina “Bina” (Kerr) for 60 years and they resided in Hampton Bays for 50 of those years.
In addition to his wife Bina, he is survived by his children, Dr. Robert Bickford and wife Barbara of Hampton Bays, James T. Bickford and wife Janet of New Hampshire, Jeffrey A Bickford and wife Janice of North Carolina; a daughter, Gail R. Fisher and husband Arthur of North Tonawanda; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas J. Kerr and wife Carol of Florida. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Timothy W., Jennifer L., Christopher R., Thomas C., Allison J., Daniel K., Robyn D., all Bickford, and Meghan R., and Lauren G. Fisher. He was predeceased by his brothers, Paul, Allan and Roger Bickford.
A memorial gathering will be held at the J. Ronald Scott Funeral Home in Hampton Bays on Tuesday, April 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or the Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968.
on Mar 4, 2013