Albert Bicknell

Orrington - Albert Francis Bicknell, a beloved member of the Orrington community, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 11, 2024, at the age of 79. His life was marked by his unwavering dedication to family and friends, a strong faith, and a profound appreciation of nature, history, and philosophy.

Born on August 28, 1945, he was the son of Albert Wagner Bicknell and Anne Margaret Healey, and raised in idyllic Riverside, Illinois. He went to Riverside Brookfield High School and continued his studies at Regis College. He graduated in 1968 with a dual English and philosophy Bachelor of Science degree, then became a Vista volunteer working with the Washington state Yakama Indian Reservation. Subsequently, he attended the Western New England School of Law.

His lifelong love of the arts was cultivated during his formative years as a first soprano in the Madrigal Club Singers group, where he performed in Chicago venues, as well as local theatrical productions. Additionally, he showcased his early community service and leadership qualities as president of the 2000-member strong Riverside Youth Group. His love for the outdoors was fostered through canoe trips with his father, a Scout Master, and family camping adventures in the Upper Peninsula.

Albert worked on the family farm for six years before his professional career in real estate, where he worked as a realtor and appraiser for 25 years at Coldwell-Banker and Dawson-Bradford. He served as president of the Bangor Realtors' Association and enjoyed mentoring new associates in the field.

Albert will be remembered for his multifaceted contributions to his community, his love for family, and his passion for public service through his involvement with Enterprise Grange No. 173, Orrington Historical Society (OHS), Orrington Center Church, and Orrington Library Committee. As a lifetime member of OHS, Albert played a crucial role in preserving local history by helping acquire the Grange building. Albert was also a founding member of the PTO at Center Drive School, served on the Orrington Library Committee board, and was a member of the Bangor Community Chorus. Lastly, as a longtime member of Orrington Center Church, he served on multiple committees, including being chair of the trustees.

His desire to live in the most forested state led him to Maine, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth Howard. Throughout the course of their marriage, they purchased and lovingly restored a historic schoolhouse built in 1793 and realized his dream of building a family camp for future generations on Swetts Pond.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Albert Bicknell; his sister, Joan Bicknell Poveda; brother-in-law, Vicente Poveda; and infant brother, Thomas. Albert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth; two cherished sons, Jonathan (Katie) and Jason (Melissa); and a foster son, Arron Baer (Erica). He is also survived by brothers-in-law, James Howard Jr. and Alan Howard (Susan). He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Maya Elizabeth, Luna Anne, Caroline Marie, and Jonathan George Albert; along with several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call from 4-6 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 S. Main St., Brewer. A Christian service and celebration of Albert's life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at Orrington Center Church, 468 Dow Rd., Orrington, with Pastor Dan Richard officiating. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Orrington, immediately following the service. A time for visiting and refreshments will follow the interment in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations to honor Albert's life and memory may be made to Orrington Center Church, 468 Dow Rd., Orrington, ME 04474, for a special church project in his name. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.