Ralph Akerley Bickford

AMITY, ME – Ralph Akerley Beckford passed on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the age of 90. Ralph was born in Houlton, Maine on January 16, 1934, the only son of Ralph H. Bickford of Hodgdon, ME and Bertha L. (Akerley) Bickford of Woodstock, NB, CAN. He graduated from Houlton High Scoolin 1951. In 1975, he earned a BA degree from Goddard Collage. A lover of jazz music, Ralph was an accomplished pianist. He played piano at the Amity Baptist Church for a number of years and at assorted puplic functions around Houlton. Ralph spent most of his life as a radio announcer having worked at WHOU in the 50's, and went on to work in Presque Isle and Portland, ME Waterbury, CT, NYC, and Richmond, VA, during his 27- year career in the broadcast business. He worked for 12 years for the Purolator Courier Company before retiring in VA to become a house "dad" in 1989. After moving to the farm in Amity, he discovered a love for the land and for tinkering with old farm equipment. He was very proud of the old '51 Oliver he restored with the help of Merlin Putnam and Billy Hall. Ralph was a Master Mason. He is survived by his wife, Bette H. Bickford of Amity, his daughter, Susan Blair (Bickford) Schools and her husband Josh, of Cary Plantation, and one son, Steven Bickford, of Saco, ME. He is also survived by his grandson, Grady Allen Schools of Cary Plantation.
Per Ralph's request there will be no funeral service. To share memories and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.