Leonard Lennie Edward Bickford, Sr.

Bridgton Leonard Lennie Edward Bickford, Sr., 88, died on April 2, 2017. Lennie was born in Brookton, ME, a son of the late Calvin F. and Phyllis (Clough) Bickford, Sr. He was the oldest of 7 children. In his early teens he and his brother Calvin (Buddy) went off to work to help their parents financially with the 5 younger siblings. Many adventures pursued and these adventures helped to build who they grew up to be. In the summer of 1943 while they were hanging out in Old Orchard Beach Lennie met the love of his life Dorothy Jean McFarland. He was 15, she 16. He was a professional boxer who fought at the Expo in Portland, ME with 34 fights: won 25, lost 6, draw 3, with 11 KOs. He was so well known that in April of 1946 the Portland Press Herald announced his enlistment into the US Navy with a full article and picture. He kept that article all these years! He continued his boxing career in the US Navy where he served at the end of World War II and also served in the Korean War. Once honorably discharged from the military, he started his career at the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. After years of pursuit, he married his love Dorothy on June 16, 1956. Together they raised 4 children in South Portland. He was so proud of them and let them know it. He would get all choked up when he talked about his childrens and grandchildrens achievements. As if Lennie and Dottie were not busy enough, they owned and operated Black Point Variety in Scarborough in the 1970s. Still working for the US Postal Service, he worked his way up from mail carrier to Tour Superintendent of Mails before retiring in 1984. Upon retiring he built his house in Casco, became top Sales Rep. for Century 21 Balfour, and worked for and retired from University of Southern Maine. He always said he would retire and spend winters in Florida but that all changed when his first grandchild Tyler was born. Lennie and Dottie have enjoyed the years with him and their granddaughters Madison and Isabelle. He always made time for his family. He had a camp at Shaw Acres on Sebago Lake then bought property and built his house in Casco also at Sebago Lake. He took the family boating, swimming, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and even to Walt Disney World in the station wagon. They spent time at Bodges Camp with the Bickford and Hayman Clans. He also made it back to his roots in Brookton, Maine for the annual hunting trip to Campy Wampy. This usually consisted of eating, drinking, and being Merry!! Whenever the families got together a poker game was sure to break out! He was a very happy man that lived life to the fullest. He had the love of his life by his side for over 60 years. On April 2, 2017, he collapsed at the hospital. His heart stopped for almost 4 minutes. He fought back and miraculously came to enough to be coherent. He was not going anywhere until he saw her again. After his children and grandchildren left the room, with Dottie by his side for alone time, he passed away peacefully knowing she was there holding his hand. A true love story. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Bickford; sister, Cathy Pomeroy; and brother, James Bickford. Lennie is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bickford; son, Lenny Bickford Jr, and his fiance Jane of Gorham; daughters, Diane Payzant of Norridgewock; Lynn Bickford and her love Dennis Burke, Jr of Casco; grandchildren, Tyler Bickford and fiance Christa, Madison, Isabelle, and Bella. Also survived by Calvin (Zee) Bickford, Gardys (George) Bodge, Arthur Bickford, and John (Deb) Bickford. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 6, from 4-7pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday, April 7, at 10:15am followed by an 11am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.