LEWISTON – George L. Bickford III, 81, a resident of Sabattus, passed away Friday, Oct. 22 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston from Covid Pneumonia despite being fully vaccinated.

He was born Nov. 21, 1939 in Lewiston, the son of Milan L. Bickford and Dorothy (Lane) Bickford. Following the death of his parents, he and his sister lived with Carroll and Louise Sudds and foster sisters Nancy Morris and Jean Goding from 1952 through high school. He was a 1958 graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn and continued his education at Wentworth Institute in Boston and Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

On July 23, 1977 in Hampden, he married Bonnie Scougall. They resided in Newburgh and Farmington before moving to the family farm where he had spent many of his formative years as a young man with his Aunt Bessie and Uncle Fred.

He worked at many different jobs throughout life; one of his favorites was as the historic farmer, Nathan Bartlett, at the Norlands Living History Center. He was the Code Enforcement Officer in Auburn for many years before retiring in 2004.

George enjoyed blacksmithing, traveling as a snowbird between Maine and Florida, golfing, playing in a steel drum band, spending time with his family and telling stories recounting bygone days on the farm.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jean “Bonnie” Bickford of Sabattus; his sons George Bickford IV of Buckfield and Garrett and his wife, Melissa Bickford of Loveland, Ohio; and his sister, Barbara and her husband, John Acocelli of Westborough, Mass. and their sons and families. He leaves three grandsons, Nathan Perkins, Milan Bickford and Dylan Bickford, a granddaughter, Adelynne; and two great-grandsons, Gabrielle and Noah.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his daughter-in-law, Kimberly.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A private service will be held followed by interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sabattus. Arrangements by BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main St., Monmouth.

lieu of flowers, please donate to High Street Congregational Church Food Pantry, Auburn,

or a charity of your choice and practice kindness.

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