Albert Horace Bidwell

Albert H. Bidwell, age 81, passed away at his daughter's home on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Al was born in Northville, Michigan, the son of Almeron and Hazel (Hopkins) Bidwell. His early years were spent in Novi, where he graduated from Northville High School in 1947. He received the first of three degrees, a B.A. in Business, from the University of Michigan in 1951. He joined the United States Air Force and served in Japan during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the service, he received his Masters in Business Administration before beginning a 28 year career as a department, personnel, and credit manager with Montgomery Ward. In 1969, he earned a Masters in Education, and taught at Livonia's Bentley High School for several years. After leaving Montgomery Ward in 1984, Al began a second career with H. R. Block, retiring as a senior Tax Advisor at the age of 79. Al loved the outdoors and his cottage on Walled Lake, where his summer days were filled with pontoon boating and grilling on the lakeshore with his family. He was an avid fan of all University of Michigan sports teams. Another of Al's true joys was working in his garden and maintaining an impeccable yard. In 2008, he lost his beloved wife of 50 years, Maxine. He is survived by his children, Steven (Lynn) Bidwell and Linda LaPlatt, and four grandchildren, Allison, Megan, Bridget and Alexander.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2pm - 9pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11am with the Reverend Drex Morton officiating. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. Contributions are suggested to the charity of your choice.