Nick (Harold William) Bickner was born in New York City on December 2, 1942. His father, also Harold William Bickner was then preparing to leave for duty in the US Army joining the fight against Hitler. His mother, Muriel Gilroy Bickner was left behind with little Nickie. During those first years, Nick was surrounded by a loving Grandfather, Grandmother and Aunt, all of whom lived in an apartment in the Bronx not far from Fordham University. As with most of us, these foundational years left a permanent imprint. Throughout his life Nick was interested in World War II and during the last days of his life, he watched You Tube documentary videos every day.
When Nick joined the US Army in August of 1966 I wonder if he thought of his father? Nick served in the army during the Viet Nam War. However, he did not go to Viet Nam but was sent to Korea just after the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Koreans. The North Koreans still possess the USS Pueblo. No one knew at the time if the North Koreans would wind up their war machines. The Army beefed up troop numbers in South Korea and Nick was a part of the beef up. Spec 5 Bickner served in the 43rd MASH unit as an Operating Room Technician, just a few miles from the DMZ. His service overseas as an OR Tech in the Surgical hospital contributed to his already disciplined and respectful nature.
Muriel Gilroy Bickner was determined her son would receive the best Catholic education available. Iona Prep School operated by the Roman Catholic Christian Brothers
in New Rochelle, New York was the best pick Muriel could find. Nick excelled here during early elementary school. The challenges of the curriculum and high expectations gave him confidence. He loved the challenges. This would be the last time school would fit Nick Bickner or vice versa. The ordinary nuns at St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan didn’t reach his fine mind. By the time he arrived at the University of Detroit High School in Detroit, Nick wasn’t interested in working very hard. When Nick finally received his BA degree from the University of Detroit, he was finished with formal education. But being the creative learner he was, Nick read books to learn. Having a memory that held so much data, Nick was a pre-cursor to Google. He knew people relied on his memory to finish a conversation or a story. “Hey Nick, do you know…?
This smart guy found a way into the world of advertising in Detroit, Michigan, car capital of the world at the time. In 1969 the ad world in Detroit was fun. Nick and friends played frisbee in the hallways. They pranked one another. He really fit here. He was creative, and even though his formal education didn’t look so good on transcripts, Nick had learned everything those teachers expected him to learn and more. Nick was a very fussy copy writer. The discipline showed after 40 years in the field. Almost no one lasts that long in this competitive field. He did.
During his final days, Nick was lovingly cared for by his wife, Janet, his brother, Bob Bickner and Bob’s wife, Patcharin. Nick’s earth angels were sent to us via Hospice care, Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix, and good friends.
As they say in obituaries, Nick leaves behind his wife, Janet Pauli Bickner and two daughters, Carrie Maureen Bickner and Susan Marie Bickner Hoy as well as his brother, Bob Bickner. Nick and Janet were married on May 13, 1967 and counted 54 anniversaries. Carrie lives in New York
City with her clever daughter, Ava Zeldman. Susan lives with her husband and family in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Shortly before he died, I thanked Nick for working so hard for us and providing a nurturing as well as a comfortable life. Nick said, “It was my responsibility.” He was a soldier.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Bickner family.
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