Ronald C. Bickford

Ronald C. Bickford passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, with family and caregivers at his side.

One of Ronald’s biggest loves was playing and listening to music, especially Christmas songs and hymns. Ronald would play his Christmas music all year round. He enjoyed entertaining and would play his harmonica for the residents at the Belknap County Nursing Home in Laconia. If not playing his harmonica, he would be on his keyboard, especially during the holidays. 

Ronald’s other love was driving a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee. His caregivers, the Murphy family, had many excursions with Ronald at the helm of their pontoon boat, always with that huge smile on his face. Another activity he enjoyed was riding with Harry Bean around the lake on his trike and picking vegetables in Harry’s garden. He was very caring and loved to help. Thelma Bean would bring him grocery shopping almost daily, and weekly to the pet store to donate toilet paper rolls for the animals. They also made macaroni and cheese and cookies which he would deliver to many of the local businesses. He was a gentle soul, loving, thoughtful, funny and enjoyed playing jokes on those close to him. Ronald will be missed by so many.

Ronald was predeceased by his father Jackson S. Bickford, his mother Grace B. Parsons, sister June B. Hazeltine, stepfather Douglas B. Parsons and one of his caregivers, Jim Murphy. 

He is survived by his sister Betty Ann Bickford, his niece Michelle Peaslee, nephew Mike J. Hazeltine and his wife Jill Hazeltine, great-nephew Joshua R. Peaslee and great-niece Autumn Hazeltine, and several cousins and their families. Ronald is also survived by his caregivers and best friends, Cindy Murphy, her daughter Tracy Schultz, and the entire Murphy/Bean family, who gave Ronald a life next to none for the past 17 years.

Donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes of Wolfeboro and West Ossipee are assisting the family with the arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information, visit baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com.