Abbey Mackenzie Bickell

Abbey was taken from us in a motor vehicle incident on the morning of July 19, 2023. Abbey and her friend were the faultless victims of a tragic series of events.

Abbey had an adventurous spirit and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice throughout her life. She advocated for those facing systemic and social injustices and dedicated herself to being a strong ally. Abbey built loving friendships and close communities through sports, school, work, and family, and will be remembered for the care and respect she extended to all.

A competitive swimmer for seven years, Abbey devoted herself to training and challenging her physical strengths and fortitude, all of which prepared her to work in rescue operations. As a teenager, Abbey joined a private safety and rescue company where she became a qualified Rope & Confined Space Rescue Technician as well as SPRAT Level 1 Rope Access Technician.

Rock climbing, bungee jumping, no matter the adventure, as long as she was with friends and challenging her own limits, Abbey was in her element. Her dedication to personal growth combined with her passion for adventure brought sheer joy to her life.

Shortly before she passed away, Abbey chose her first tattoo in Latin:

Non est vivere sed valere vita est

which loosely translates to,

Life is more than merely staying alive

Abbey’s short, yet remarkable life is a reflection of this philosophy.

A service to celebrate Abbey will be held Thursday, August 3rd, beginning at 6:00PM at Northview Golf and Country Club, 6857 168 Street, Surrey, BC. A cocktail reception including beverages and appetizers will immediately follow. Please join us.

If you are planning to partake from the bar during the cocktail reception, please know that the Country Club will require appropriate identification and that safe rides will be provided courtesy of Abbey's parents."

For those who are unable to attend in person, Abbey's Celebration of Life service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/VWPmHmM5ySU?feature=share

The recording will continue to be available at this link after the service us concluded.

To honour Abbey’s memory as an ally, advocate, and leader, her family have established the Abbey Bickell Memorial Fund which will serve as her legacy by supporting the following:

First responders & victims of crime & trauma.

Equitable training & education in rescue operations.

The responsible care and treatment of animals.

Local community organizations focused on youth leadership & adventure.

Donations in her memory may be made online at https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/abbeybickell

If you prefer, donations can be made by cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Vancouver Foundation with Abbey Bickell Memorial Foundation in the memo line.

Cheques can be mailed to:

Vancouver Foundation

Attention: Nicole Jeschelnik

200-475 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC V6B 4M9

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsurrey.com for the Bickell family.