Charles Elmer Bidwell

August 9, 1920 - July 5, 2012

Elmer passed away peacefully at his daughter's residence in Anderson following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born to parents Ida and William Bidwell, and lived and grew up in Montgomery Creek, CA. He lived on a ranch and enjoyed the cowboy way of life. He rode his horse to Montgomery Creek School. He also attended Shasta High School where he made life-long friends. Elmer was a proud American. He joined the Army in 1940 and served in the Pacific during World War II. He wrote letters to Betty Lou Riggins during the war. He married Betty, the love of his life, in January 1946. They made their home in Redding, CA and raised three daughters. Elmer was a hard worker.

He was a truck driver for 30 years, mostly for Hawkey transportation. He woke up everyday, put on his boots, and went to work to provide for his family. He retired in 1982. Nature and the out of doors is where Elmer liked to be. He had a summer retreat in Shingletown where he liked to take his family hunting, camping, fishing and horse back riding. Elmer belonged to the Sons of Norway and the Road Runners traveling group. He also loved dancing; he and Betty joined a dance club in Redding. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling with their camp trailer to many states in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The grandchildren also kept them very busy with their activities; and Elmer loved being called "Papa."

Elmer is survived by his three daughters: Luanne and Bruce Miller, Shingletown; Jackie and Gary Eide, Anderson; Debbie and Ralph Dillard, Anderson. He also leaves behind 11 precious grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Elmer will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, some cousins and many friends as hardworking, strong, loving and devoted to his family. He was predeceased by his parents and 10 siblings; a grandson, Robert Eide; and son-in-law Mike Peck. Betty and Elmer were married for 61 wonderful years. Before Betty predeceased in 2006, Elmer became afflicted with Alzheimer's. For eight years he struggled with this disease. His daughters loved being his caregivers, but it was difficult to watch their father fade away.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local Alzheimer's Day Care and Resource Center, 200 Mercy Oaks, Redding, CA 96088. At 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 13th services will be held at Lawncrest Memorial Park, 1522 East Cypress, Redding. After the services there will be a celebration of life at the Gaia Hotel, 4125 Riverside Rd, Anderson.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com

Arrangements under the direction of:

Lawncrest Chapel

1522 East Cypress Ave | Redding, CA 96002 | (530) 222-1587