Brian Jason Bickford

Brian Jason Bickford, 45, died peacefully at home in Gahanna, Ohio, on September 27, 2024 after a long struggle with conjunctival melanoma and other complications. Megan, his wife, stood next to Brian as he drew his last breath just as she and their daughters, Moira (17) and Emma (14) stood next to him in life - with steadfast support, rich enduring love and a touch of unusual humor. Born to Dale & Leticia (Hayden) Bickford in Palmetto, Florida, Brian and his sister, Keri (Bickford) Dombek enjoyed a childhood filled with fishing, beaches, camping, pranks from their dad, and fun with close family friends, the “Bickelsons”—named for the friends that comprised their chosen family. Every Memorial Day weekend saw them at Otter Springs, a tradition he cherished throughout his life. Brian’s first love was football, going to games with his dad as a boy and later playing at Palmetto High under Coach Bob Bowling. He was captivated by the game’s strategy, camaraderie, and challenge. This passion took him to Benedictine College in Kansas, where he not only played but began enacting his dream of becoming a coach, first as a student and later professionally. Coaching for both Benedictine and Coffeyville Community College, Brian was able to bring out the best in people—he had a gift for making others feel seen and valued. These gifts came out during his time working in residence life at both institutions. He was a mentor and a friend – offering a steady presence and helping those around him find their strengths. At Benedictine he met his next great love, Megan. He treasured Megan for the immense joy she brought him and others, their connection was effortless and undeniable. They welcomed two daughters; Moira and Emma, after their marriage in 2006. Brian marveled at his daughter’s intelligence, humor, courage individuality and resilience, often expressing how “in awe” he was of them. He was more than just a father who showed up—he was there in the fullest sense, refusing to miss a moment or performance, even when illness made it seem impossible. Brian’s family and friends loved his storytelling abilities and how he could turn laughing together into a pastime.

 Brian loved and looked out for his mother and sisters, Jymi & Keri and his own family more for than he did for himself and his own suffering. He made intentional efforts to connect his suffering to something bigger than himself by counseling, consoling, even coaching many people in their own journeys with akin rare illnesses.

 Brian loved jazz, old Bible hymns, football, BBQ, Willie Nelson, and in his final days, he even admitted to loving (against his former resistance) the family dog, Little Spaghetti. He also loved God in a way that he carried with him and displayed more through action than words. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,” says Brian’s favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31. “They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

 Brian is survived by his wife of 18 years Megan (Cassidy) Bickford; their daughters, Moira and Emma; his mother Leticia (Hayden) Bickford; his sister, Keri (Bickford) Dombek and husband Randy, sister Jymi Wilson & nieces; Billi Wilson, Montana Wilson Cox, Megan MacDonald, Scarlet MacDonald. His brother-in-law, Ryan Cassidy and wife Ashley Shields Cassidy and children; Rylan, Jax, and Maverick. His aunts and uncles; Roy Bickford and husband, Rob Teichman, Joy Bickford and husband, Leonard Doran, Cheri Hayden, Mel Hayden and wife, Barabara. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Bickford.

 While Brian requested cremation, he named these men as his honorary pallbearers: Kevin Pascoe, Jason Moore, Christopher Walters, Michael Rolling, Matthew Fassero, Ned Price, Luke Quinn, Ed Brown, Andrew Heidesch & brother-in-laws; Ryan Cassidy & Randy Dombek. 

In lieu of charitable donations, per Brian’s wishes, “Megan loves fresh flowers, not all at once, but in the years to come please send her flowers since I won’t be there to do it. I’d ask that you cheer my girls on too, if you think of it, to celebrate all the amazing things I know they’ll do.”  

Services will be held in Gahanna, Ohio: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., October 3, 2024, Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Main Clubhouse at the Parc Apartments off of Hamilton Road, 419 Laurel Lane. Atchison, Kansas: 10:00 a.m. Rosary, 10:30 Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church on October 12 with food to follow at church.  St. Joseph Church 705 Spring Garden, Atchison, KS 66002  Palmetto, Florida: Details to come – taking place the week of October 14.