Mr. Floyd Norman Bidwell

Floyd Norman Bidwell passed away February 12, 2012, at the family ranch in Hat Creek, CA. Mr. Bidwell passed of natural causes at the age of 87 years old. A lifelong resident, rancher, and farmer, Mr. Bidwell prided himself in raising Hereford Cattle.

Floyd was born in Fall River, CA. May 8th 1924 to father Charles McKinley Bidwell and mother Birdie Lena Haynes. He was a member of the McArthur FFA where he received the American Farmer Degree. He was a member of the Boy’s League, Epworth League, and graduated from Fall River High School in 1942. Floyd worked at the Chandler Ranch in Baker, Oregon learning of the purebred industry for over a year. He then returned to Hat Creek and founded Bidwell Herefords. He married Ethel Martin of Elko, Nevada in 1953. Over the years Floyd and Ethel continued to build and expand their ranch and purebred cow herd. In 1955 they started their family with the birth of their son Charles (Chuck) and then came James Ross in 1957 followed by Mark Norman in 1959. In 1960 they completed their family with Cynthia Marie, their baby girl. In later years he married his second wife Sharon Marsters Bidwell.

Floyd was very active in the cattle industry and concerned with state and national issues. He served as president of the Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen’s Association as well as a board member. He was president of the California Nevada Hereford Association, member of the Shasta District Fair Board, and the Fall River Soil Conservation Board. Floyd also took pride in being inducted into the Cow Boy Hall of Fame in the late 1940’s. He showed cattle and bulls throughout the country, including the Red Bluff Bull Sale. He prided himself in exhibiting many Hereford champions throughout the years but was exceptionally proud of receiving the Jim Alford Top Consignor Buckle.

Preceding Floyd in death was eldest son Chuck, father Mack, mother Birdie, and sisters Virginia DeAtley and Marjorie Ernest. Surviving family members include first wife and life-long friend, Ethel Bidwell of Hat Creek and second wife Sharon Stevenson of Cottonwood, son James Ross and Peggy of Hat Creek, son Mark Norman and Debbie of Hat Creek, daughter Cynthia Marie Bidwell of Burney, grandchildren Charles Martin Bidwell and Robin of Cottonwood, Chad James Bidwell and Carrie of Alturas, granddaughter Lindsey Marie Carrington and Jeremy of Santa Rosa, Tanner Wayne Songer of San Diego, Wade Michael Songer of Idaho, granddaughters Blaire Mackenzie Bidwell of Hollister, Bliss Cherie Bidwell of Chico, Bailey Lee Bidwell of Hat Creek, great-grandchildren Bryce Floyd Bidwell of Cottonwood, Cooper Wayne Carrington of Santa Rosa, Madison Lynn Bidwell of Alturas, sisters Maxine Bidwell Summers of Redding, Joann Bidwell Wolfe of Medford, Oregon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 66, McArthur, CA 96056 or California Nevada Junior Hereford Association Awards Fund at 5640 County Road 65, Willows, CA 95988.

A private Family Burial will be conducted at the Burney Cemetery Friday, February 24th at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held February 24th at 1:00 p.m. at George Ingram hall in McArthur. There will be a potluck and visitation immediately following.

Arrangements under the direction of McDonald's Chapel, Burney, CA.