John B. Bidwell

July 22, 1927 - November 20, 2014
John B. Bidwell

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John B. Bidwell, 87, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2014. John was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania to Everett and Marion Bidwell. He met and married Ruth Aspen of Philadelphia in 1955. They had a daughter in 1959.

John attended Juniata and Grove City Colleges, and served his country in the army. About this time, he earned his small plane pilotís license and worked in television and radio production. He then became a Meetings Manager and Director of Conferences and Expositions for various associations that included American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in New York, NY, American Society for Testing and Materials in Philadelphia, PA, and National Micrographics Association in Silver Spring, MD. John and Ruth relocated to Williamsburg over twenty years ago living in Kings Mill, Williamsburg Landing, and finally Windsor Meade of Williamsburg. While in Williamsburg, he received a real estate license and travel agentís license. He enjoyed helping people plan their vacations and cruises.

Throughout the years, John was a member of several professional organizations and committees. He enjoyed traveling, taking cruises with Ruth, gardening, bird feeding and watching, and photography. John was a member of the Williamsburg Chapter of the SAR, participated on many committees at Windsor Meade, and was an avid genealogist who traced his ancestry back 500 years.

John made friends easily and was known to all as a warm and caring gentleman. He was devoted to his wife of 59 years. He was well-respected for his patriotism and love of country.

John was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Charles. He leaves behind his loving wife, Ruth, and only child, daughter Laura.

A funeral service will be held on November 26, 2014, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will follow the service at the same location.


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  • November 24, 2014
    Howard and Dottie Perley says:
    A wonderful person who will be fondly remembered forever.

  • November 25, 2014
    David & Naomi Martin says:
    Dear Ruth & Laura, I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. John and I worked together on a company we put together which we called CRISP. The company was organized to serve the registration needs of conventions and large meetings. John had a large amount of experience with conventions through his time with NMA, the National Microfilme Association. I served as the programmer for the computer needs of CRISP. We computerized the registration, attendence, and badging requirements for conventions. While we were slightly ahead of the computer capabilities, I think we set a standard for what could be done. It was a pleasure to work with John, we became friends, not just business partners. While John was a serious fellow, there was always a humorous moment that would sneak up as a wry comment when least expected. I enjoyed the time with him. Our association also included our wives, Ruth and my wife Naomi. When John ended up in Williamsburg, Naomi and I ended up in Midlothian, VA which was close enough for an occasional lunch together. Eventually, my family convinced us to move to Oregon with them. I was pleased that John and Ruth joined us for one last meal together in Midlothian. Our sincere sympathies, Dave and Naomi Martin

  • November 24, 2014
    Bill & Myra Buschmeier says:
    Dear Ruth & Laura, We were deeply saddened to learn about your loss. I've always considered John to be a good friend and an honorable person I always admired. We always enjoyed each others company. We shared common conservative values and even a similar sense of humor. Another thing we had in common is that we were both married to a wonderful woman and we both had a female child. I learned so much from John during the short time we worked together. Unfortunately, after Myra, Linda and I moved to Indiana (in 1977), there were only a couple of times John an I were able to get together. Fortunately, we were able to keep in touch by mail and by emails in recent years. There are only two friends I've kept in touch with that go as far back as the 1960s... John, and a high school friend. Even though words can't relive grief, they may help some. So I leave you with the following: Thoughts from many people are with you right now. Let these thoughts help you get through this tough time. With Sympathy, Bill & Myra Buschmeier

  • November 24, 2014
    Ron Losee says:
    I am so sorry to hear of John's passing; he was a dedicated member of the Sons of the American Revolution chapter in Williamsburg and served at one time as the chapter registrar. He will be missed. Semper Fi, Ron Losee

  • November 25, 2014
    Duke Diggs says:
    I knew John from the Chamber of Commerce. He always had a warm smile, a handshake, and a friendly and cordial greeting. My condolences to the family, John will be missed.