Beloved father, son, brother, and Bestefar passed away suddenly in his London ON home November 10th, 2021 at the age of 57. He is missed by his parents Sandy Richards (James Kinnear) and Torbjorn (Sharon) Bidtnes, brother David (Beverly) Bidtnes, daughter Jessica (Aaron) Toy, grandchildren River and Colten Casey. Will be dearly remembered by his step-sisters Carey and Lisa Bidtnes, nephew Kristian and niece Avril Bidtnes.
Steve was born in Oslo Norway April 8, 1964. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces October 4, 1984 in Winnipeg, MB and served with the Communications and Electronics Branch as a Radio Operator. In March 1991 he re-mustered to Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AESOP) and was proudly presented his wings by his hero, grandfather Fredrick H. Richards. He was commissioned from ranks in 1997 to become an Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO).
He proudly served in Kingston ON, Halifax NS, Victoria BC, Richelain QC, Lazo BC, Greenwood NS, Ottawa ON, Trenton ON, Toronto ON, and London ON. His service included duty with the HMCS Skeena, HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Preserver, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Montreal and HMCS Regina. His many tours included Afghanistan, Iran/Iraq, the Gulf and Kuwait, and the Former Yugoslavia.
Graveside Service will be held Monday November 22, 2021 at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces - Section 103 - 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8A6
To register and attend via livestream - please CLICK HERE
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Soldier On program would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Adam and Shoba
Larry Arnold
You are missed, old friend. Your watch is complete. Rest in peace.
Tricia Pretty
My sincere condolences to Steve's family. RIP Steve, we will remember you.
Steven Chesine
A passer by who stopped to witness the service for this special soul.
Condolences and most of all hope and prayers in his honour for the principles of decency in the world he devoted his life to preserving
Laura Cunningham
Thank you for the beautiful family we've shared. I'll do my best to make sure they are taken care of always and remind them of you and the incredible love and pride you had for them.
Zlatko Neral
My deepest condolences to Steve’s family. We shared some fond memories in the Sea King and at sea. I will miss you Steve.
Sue
RIP my friend. Gone too soon....Forever remembered.
Steve was a very special person and friend. He will always be missed. Our condolences and thoughts go out to Steve's family.