William Maxwell (Bill) Bickford of Bell Island departed this world on Dec. 19, 2017 – at peace and satisfied with his 97 years of life. Blessed with a remarkably healthy life and a sound mind to the very end, he passed away after a sudden and very brief illness. Bill Bickford leaves many family and friends, including his 102-year-old sister Dorothy (Dot) Parsons of Ontario. Also thankful for the many years he was in their lives are daughter Stella Smith and husband Monte of Conception Bay South; son Paul of Hay River, Northwest Territories; son Mark and partner Karen Rylance of Winfield, Alberta; and granddaughter Angeline Parsons of Cambridge, Ontario. Bill Bickford now joins in eternity his devoted and loving wife Mabel (Clarke); his parents William and Minnie (Parsons) Bickford; and his brothers and sisters James, Clarence, Edward, Thomas, Martha Pitts and Frances Rees. Bill Bickford was born and raised on Bell Island, and worked in the iron ore mines there. He loved Bell Island with a passion. His final two years were spent in the professional and loving care of the Agnes Pratt Home, and his family wishes to offer sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff there. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a later date when Bill Bickford will be laid to rest forever on his beloved Bell Island.