Michael J. "Magic Mike" Bickler

Bickler, Michael 'Magic Mike' J. 64 Jan. 05, 1947 June 01, 2011 Mike was born in Medford and adopted by Jack and Eva Bickler. He attended Medford High School where he met Marilyn Miller who became his high school sweetheart and who he later married while attending Oregon State University. Mike graduated first in his class in his graduate major from Humboldt State University and from there had a successful career in marine biology and fish and wildlife. Mike was responsible for the creation of Oregon's first free fishing day. He was instrumental in helping other states pass equivalent legislation and today every state in the Union has passed free fishing day legislation. As Education Director for Oregon Fish and Wildlife, Mike started the successful Becoming an Outdoor Woman program and the popular Master Hunter program. He loved his country and spent 20 years with the U.S. Army, retiring in 1991 as a Major in Civil Affairs. He was also well-known as a top wedding photographer in Oregon and ran a highly successful studio that is now run by his daughters. Mike will be remembered by all as a fierce competitor and someone who thought outside the box. He had a true love of his family and imparted to his children the drive to succeed. He was also an avid gardener with a green thumb. Mike's greatest joys were fishing and hunting around the world with his wife and children and watching his children's sports activities all the way from pee wee to college ball. Please join Mike's wife, Marilyn; daughters, Carrie and Chandra; and sons, Jon and Kevin, in celebrating this beloved and accomplished man at 11 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2011, at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary. Gifts may be made to the Casket Alumni Club in memory of Michael Bickler, Sigma Pi Fraternity, in care of Comcoa, P.O. Box Q, Corvallis, OR 97339.