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
Barry Barber
Paul Brundige
RIP Steve...VVV
Toby Bidtnes
You left us way too young son. You will be missed every day. Loved you and so proud of you.May you rest in peace.
Laurel and Mark Tye
We are so shocked and deeply saddened for the family of this fine man, taken too soon. We offer our sincerest sympathy.
Diane Chute, Harwood
My deepest sympathies to Steve's family and friends. He was an amazing man that accomplished so much and I feel very lucky to have known him. When my son Ryan wanted to join the army, Steve took him under his wing and guided him through. We are grateful he was the officer to swear him in. Thankful to have had his friendship. RIP Steve...you will be missed.
Joar Håve
Vår dypeste medfølelse.
Adelle Richards
My dear Steve, I will miss our chats and your wit and knowledge of all things military. I loved you many many years ago and I still do.
Rest easy now. We’ve got it from here on.❤️
Ken Carr
Proud to have served with you Steve. Gone way to soon, my yo rest peacefully in God’s loving arms.
Matthew Richards
Steve, Cristina & I send you our love & prayers. Rest in the Light ??
Jordan Spoelstra
I worked with Steve for many years and was really saddened to hear this news. My condolences to family and loved ones during this difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers.
So saddened to hear of Steve’s sudden passing, he was one of great ones for sure. RIP