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Robert Bickford Obituary
Of Phoenix, Arizona, died on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, November 28, 1955 to Rose J. (Burdacki) and Kenneth M. Bickford. Rob graduated from Shanti High School, Hartford, CT, in 1973 and received a Bachelor's Degree from Goddard College, VT, in 1977. He grew up in Windsor Locks, CT where his passion for railway and transportation began. He was an avid railway historian, founding the Windsor Locks "Save the Station" campaign and volunteering at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. He took joy from his 28 year career in student transportation, holding many positions for Beebe School Bus Transportation, Laidlaw Education Services, Dattco, and Dysart Unified School District. After moving to Phoenix, AZ in May of 2005, he continued his career as Logistics Manager at Coach USA and Divine Transportation. An extensive collection of historical railroad memorabilia of the northeast traveled across the country with him. Most recently Rob spent free time exploring the railroads of his new southwestern US home. Rob is survived by Daniel Jonathan Manns of Mesa, AZ, his sister, Linda Lee Bickford, and her husband, Dennis Bruffee, of Shelburne Falls, MA, and niece, Lucinda Rose Lee, of Fort White, FL. Additionally he leaves behind Murphy and Maggie, his beloved dogs. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Road, Chandler, Thursday, October 24th, from 1 to 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations can be made in Rob's name to the Rob Bickford Railway Preservation Fund, Greenfield Co-Operative Bank, Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bickford
October 29, 2013
Linda and family, so very sorry for your loss of Rob. Enjoyed all the times at Bickfords with your family. Betty and Joe LaPierre [email protected]
October 28, 2013
To Danny and Rob's Family,
what wonderful memories I have of time spent with Rob and Danny. I know you are in heaven now Rob. Will miss you.
Our Love
Wendy and Chuck
October 27, 2013
Remembering Rob as a little boy trying to annoy his sister and her friends? Sadly you have had your share of losses and I hope you have special people that fill this void. Pat Z
Peter Denomme
October 27, 2013
A good friend and coworker from years past. I will never forget all the boxes!! Rest in peace Bob, until we meet again. Danny I am so sorry for your lost I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling and pray you are able to find peace in the years of great memories you had with Bob. God Bless.
Pete Denomme
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October 25, 2013
We are so sorry of this tragedy, not knowing your brother linda, it appears he's one special person just like his sister. You've given him one awesome send off, riding the railway. love to the both of you Linda and Denny:
laura and Tim
The Murray's
October 24, 2013
Rest in peace Rob, heaven has an angel.
Gail Braden
October 24, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to my sister- in-law, Linda, and Lucy. and to Daniel. A beautifully written obituary and a respectful tribute to Rob. My thoughts are with all of you. With love , Denny 's sister, Gail
CJ (melody's Tales) Barrett
October 23, 2013
Linda and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Rob. You are all in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. God Bless.
October 23, 2013
Rob you will be missed greatly. Prayers go out to your family. I will always remember how you were always upbeat and positive at work. You were an awesome person, but heaven received another blessed angel.
Mickey Danyluk
October 23, 2013
The historic Windsor Locks passenger train station still stands-- a testimony to your vision with Save the Station Committee in 1975; many fond memories... we love you and miss you, Rob! --Mickey Danyluk, fellow Windsor Locks, Ct historian
Barbara Brigham
October 23, 2013
May we all soon be filled with wonderful memories of fun times together as we celebrate a life well lived. I will miss you forever Bob.
Al Goff
October 23, 2013
Danny and Rob's family- please accept my deepest condolences. I met Rob at the CTTrolley Museum in the 70''s where he became a very good trolley motorman and locomotive engineer. Rob always took pictures of trolley museum activities and also became a knowledgeable rail historian. He was a long time friend and shall be missed.
Janet Huntley
October 23, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Danny, Rob's family, and to everyone who knew Rob. Rob was the first friend I made when I moved to Matunuck, RI in 1998. I enjoyed dinners with Rob and Danny at their home in Green Hill. A special memory for me was the time that Rob took me on the Newport dinner train and I got to ride in the engine with him. He was a great friend who was taken too young.
Jerry Higby
October 23, 2013
Rob I will miss you greatly.when
I came in from runs we had some great conversations.when you went on vacations, we could always tell you had a good time on a train.Even though we worked together for a short time.That time will never be forgotten.And now Rob you will be soaring with eagles.You will be a guardian angel for those that worked with and for you.Now ur gone but never forgotten.Riding a ghost train to somewhere.So safe travels my friend, and I am pleased to call you my friend.May god bless you Rob.Jerry Higby former Divine driver@Grayline of Az driver.
Stephenie Greenleaf
October 23, 2013
You will be deeply missed. I know you are driving the dinner train and many others. It was great working with you, we had many good times.
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