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
Charles Ronald & Beverly Lucas
Wren Darragh and Mark Piper
With sympathy and love.
Ian McCandie
I enjoyed working with Steve at the CFAWC, Trenton. He was an easy person to like as he was always willing to lend a hand and share a smile. He was way too young for this. He will be missed.
Peggy O'Neil
You will be missed. Rest in Peace
Andre Ravary
I did not know you brother, but you left us too soon. May you finally rest in peace.
Hooman Shirazi
A very sad news, my deepest condolences to family and friends, he left us way too soon, RIP Steve.
Rob Kingsley
I knew Steve through work, and he will certainly be missed. My deepest condolences to Steve's entire family.
Fran (Grigg) Clark
So sad to hear news of your loss Sharon and To by. Hugs cousin
Frederick Cyril Rideout
Another great aviator gone way too soon. Condolences to all his family and friends, Rest In Peace Steven.
Nataschja Storozuk
Deepest condolences to the entire family on Steve's sudden passing.
Our blessings with prayers for comfort for all his family and friends at this time. Greatful Thanks for your years of military service .