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
Vaughn Cosman
Jim Irvine
Saddened to hear of Steve's passing. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. He was an exceptional officer, a real gentleman and a great comrade.
Terrance Chenard
Rest in Peace Steve... See you in the Delta in the sky.
Walter Barton
A good man has passed. You will be missed.
Chris Larsen
One of the nicest and most hardest working people I had the opportunity to serve with. Very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Bill Brown
Steve, we met so many years ago. You are very caring person with a big heart. We are all very saddened by this news. To the family, please accept our most sincere condolences.
JJ Mercer
I am so very sad to hear of Steves passing, so young. I met Steve in 1991 and had the pleasure of working with him several times. He was a true standup guy and I will miss him.
Geoff Williams
Saddened by your loss way too soon. Our paths joined at 423 MH Sqn and HMCS Skeena. Rest peacefully Steve. Our condolences to your family from ours.
Sarah Richards
We are very sorry for your loss.
Jessica, please accept our condolences for the loss of your father.
Cary Anne Conder
I am greatly saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I remember him from my days at the Squadron. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this time. Sic Itur Ad Astra, Steve.
I had a great time working with Steve and learned so much from him. Very sad to find he has gone on, much too soon. My condolences to those close family and friends left behind.