Obituary: Donald “Donnie” Bicknell
August 10, 1933 – April 3, 2024
April 12, 2024
Donnie Bicknell, 1933-2024, with his favorite hot chocolate at Stowe Street Cafe. Photo by Nicole Grenier
Donald “Donnie” George Bicknell of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away at the Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Middlebury on April 3, 2024.
Donnie is survived by his stepsister Gail Benton of Perkinsville, Vermont, stepbrothers James French of California and Jeffrey French of Florida, nieces and nephews, his beloved cat Shadow, his dear friend Bambi Mohr of Waterbury, and his extended Waterbury family of friends. He was predeceased by his father Clifton Bicknell, mother Victoria Bicknell, and stepmother Myrtle Bicknell.
Donnie was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont. As a young man he attended the Sheltered Workshop programs where he learned how to make clothespins, assemble battery caps, and trained to work in laundry and janitorial services. In 1971, Donnie moved to Waterbury and in 1972 he joined the housekeeping staff at the Vermont State Hospital, where he worked until retiring in 1995.
He became a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, working at the Vermont State Hospital library. Donnie also volunteered for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corp answering phones, stuffing envelopes, filing, and learned to use a computer. The Vermont YCC named a room after Donnie – the Bicknell Room at the West Monitor Barn in Richmond – in recognition of his contributions.
Donnie loved to volunteer. At the Waterbury Area Senior Center, Donnie helped wherever he could. His core friendships and most cherished memories came from the many years he spent at the senior center from helping the staff pack up Meals on Wheels to sitting outside on the sidewalk bench, people-watching with his best pals.
Donnie was a history buff and an avid reader. He attended many Waterbury Historical Society programs, was involved with the Waterbury Grange, and enjoyed going to church. Donnie loved to travel and took many trips all over Vermont as well as to Maine, Washington, D.C. and Canada. But some of his most favorite pastimes were eating at the Stowe Street Café and shopping at Bridgeside Books and Stowe Street Emporium.
On behalf of Donnie and his extended family, we would like to thank Gazebo Senior Living, University of Vermont Medical Center, and Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing for their extraordinary care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life honoring Donnie will be held on May 1 at the Waterbury Area Senior Center from 12:30 to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations to the Waterbury Area Senior Center are appreciated.
