Willard “Bill” L. Bickford Sr., 94, of Williston, Vt., passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026. Born on March 6, 1932, in Glover, Vt., to the late Howard and Harriet (Leonard) Bickford, Bill lived a life defined by devotion to family, service to community and a warmth that touched everyone who knew him.
Bill graduated from Barton Academy in Barton, Vt., and served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He later earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Vermont. On Christmas Eve 1950, he married his beloved Arlene Rogers, beginning a partnership that spanned 71 years.
Bill built a distinguished career in banking, serving as a manager and commercial loan officer at Proctor Trust Company, Merchants Bank and the Howard Bank. His sharp mind and strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He and Arlene loved hosting and attending family gatherings and were a constant and welcome presence in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bill found joy in caring for his family’s homes and grounds, including Steeple Ridge Farm, and took pride in being the family’s grill master, especially for steaks. An avid outdoorsman, he treasured years of deer hunting with family in Glover, Barton, Chelsea and Lewis, Vt. He also had a deep love of music, singing with the men’s a cappella group Men at First, including a memorable performance of the national anthem at Fenway Park on Vermont Day. He will be remembered as a skilled card player, a generous spirit, and a man whose humor and sociability brightened every gathering.
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Arlene (Rogers); his sister, Marian Hastings; and his brothers, Owen and Edwin Bickford. He is survived by his children, Bill and Mindy Bickford, Holly and Bill Ashe, and Bob and Heather Bickford; along with many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, Bill sang in the Sanctuary Choir and gave generously of his time and talents. He will be deeply missed by his church community.
A celebration of life will be held on June 13, 2026, 1 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, with a reception to follow. Interment will take place on June 14, 2026, 1 p.m., at Westlook Cemetery in Glover, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 39 Main St., Essex Junction, VT 05452.
Dear Dad, we love you and miss you, and we imagine you dancing with Mom to heavenly music.