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
Steve and Peggy-Sue Lerette
Kyle Rosenlund
My deepest sympathies to Steve's family and friends.
Fair winds and following seas.
Mike Deutsch
To Steve's family.............I knew him although not well; however, when I see his picture it brings a smile to my face as he was a genuine airman and human being. Whenever I saw him I knew I would be getting an honest and pragmatic view of the situation.
Rest in Peace Steve.
Jeff (Bear) Brown
I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to Steve's family
Terry Warner
From one Gulf vet to another, rest easy brother.
Stephenie Dickert
Thank you for watching out for me in my early days; you will be missed. Love to you and your family.
Jim Cottingham
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Steve's sudden passing. He was a wonderful human being, a great shipmate and the best person to be crewed up with on the Sea King. My most sincere condolences to Steve's family. He will be fondly remembered by all of is who had the pleasure to have known him.
Graham Edwards
You will be missed.
Joe MacKinnon
From Nav School to teaching at 404. A good friend and a fine gentleman. He will be missed.
Todd Reashore
A uniquely marvellous Army-Navy-Airforce career! Thank you Steven for your service and dedication to Canadians through out your life. RIP. VVV
We are both shocked by this news. We knew Steve through work in Shearwater and Greenwood. My Steve was his instructor in Shearwater and also flew on the Aurora in Greenwood.
Gone way too soon.......so young. Passing on our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by his military family. Always remembered. RIP my friend.