Ronald Ralph Bickford, 93, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, after a brief illness, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine.

He was born February 27, 1933, in Rockland, Maine, to Donald Bickford and Gertrude Ladd. He grew up in Rockland and graduated from Rockland High School in 1951. Following graduation, he served in the United States Coast Guard along the Maine coast.

He later purchased a 40-foot Wheeler boat and made the journey by sea from Rockland to Riviera Beach, Florida, where he established a charter fishing business. In 1960, he married Martha Frye, and together they built a life in South Florida. His fondest memories included trips to Chub Cay and Bimini in the Bahamas, where he enjoyed fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

In 2010, he returned to Maine to retire in the town he always loved. He enjoyed watching the harbor, spending time with family, and reminiscing about his life on the water.

He was known for his warmth, humor, and his love of telling stories about growing up in Rockland and his adventures at sea. His storytelling brought joy to those around him and kept the spirit of the Maine coast alive in every tale.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Bickford and Gertrude Ladd, and by his older sister, Betty Joseph, who passed away on December 11, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Bickford; his daughter, Carrie Bickford and her partner, Brian Fuller; his brother, Richard Bickford and Richard’s partner, Elaine Higgins; his niece, Maryellen Joseph; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m., at Freedom Congregational Church in Freedom, Maine. A reception will follow. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with Ronald's family on his tribute wall at Ripostafh.com.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Cardiac ICU at Maine Medical Center and the compassionate team at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their exceptional care and kindness during Ron’s final days.

Somewhere beyond the horizon, the sea is calm and the stories continue.