ROCKLAND – David Putnam Bicknell, 85, died peacefully Thanksgiving day, Nov. 25, 2010, at his home. A Rockland native, David was born June 19, 1925, the son of Putnam and Lorita Kenniston Bicknell. Educated in local schools, he was a 1943 graduate of Rockland High School and a 1945 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, having earned a degree in engineering. After a two-year Merchant Marine tour of duty aboard the Roswell Victory, he attended Northeastern University, Boston. He later returned to Rockland to take his place in the family business – Bicknell Manufacturing Co., with facilities in Rockland and Elberton, Ga. After the death of his father and later his brother, William K. Bicknell, David became the sole owner of that company. A dedicated member of the Rockland civic community, David served as a member and past president of Rockland Jaycees, and was a life member and past president of Rockland Rotary Club, with 38 years prefect attendance. He served on the board of directors of several organizations, including Rockland Chamber of Commerce, Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Osprey Club and the advisory board of The Salvation Army, Rockland Corps. He was a patron of Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Friends of Rockland Public Library, Maine Maritime Museum, Hope Historical Society and Alford Lake – Lermond Pond Association. He served as a longtime member and past president of Monument Builders Association of North America and was a long-standing member of Elberton (Ga.) Granite Association. David was passionate about the coast of Maine and shared his love of sailing with his family and friends. He was interested in local and maritime history and enjoyed spending time at his Alford Lake cottage, Point of View. Many happy hours have been spent enjoying Dave’s special barbecued chicken and lobster dinners. In addition to his parents and brother, David was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Virginia Pedersen Bicknell, in 2001. He is survived by his children, Julie Bicknell Pfeiffer and her husband, Robert, of Lincolnville, Jayne Bicknell Bryant and her husband, Robert, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Bruce P. Bicknell of West Rockport and Susan Bicknell Fogarty and her husband, Corey, of Scarborough; four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, several nieces; his spouse, Ann Lloyd Bicknell of Rockland; her children, Kim and Cindy Lloyd of Ruston, La., Jenny L. and David McDade of Douglasville, Ga., Kerry and Koy Lloyd of Athens, Ga., and Renee L. and Eric Berryman of Elberton, Ga.; and Ann’s 14 grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. A celebration of David’s life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Rockland Congregational Church, 180 Limerock St., Rockland, with the Rev. Jacquelyn Brannan, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, officiating. Private burial will be afterward at Achorn Cemetery, Rockland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Penobscot Bay Medical Center, care of PenBay Health Care, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841; Rockland Emergency Medical Service, care of Rockland Fire Department, 118 Park St., Rockland, ME 04841; Maine Maritime Academy Development Office, 101 Leavitt Hall, Castine, ME 04420 or Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. To leave online condolences, please visit obituaries at www.bchfh.com.
DAVID PUTNAM BICKNELL
