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
Sam Michaud
Lou Moffatt
So very sorry to hear of Steve's passing, he was a great guy to fly with and will be missed. Gone way too soon. My condolences to his family
Perry Stadler
Sad news for all. Condolences to the family.
Steven Jackson
Flew many times and shared many laughs with Steve while with 407 Sqn. You will be missed my friend.
Dan Desrochers
Sincere condolences to family and friends, RIP Steve.
Don Cansfield
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Steve over the years. He was a great member of the military and a true professional in every sense. He was always upbeat and fun and he will be missed by all that knew him. RIP Steve.
Chris Orrey
I am truly saddened to hear the news of your passing Steve. It comes as a shock, since you had just posted that you were about to retire with 37 years of service. I remember first meeting you at 443 Sqn during your last days as an NCO. I then had the pleasure to serve with you at 407 Sqn and I will always remember your kindness and sense of humour. Great times in the Officer's Mess. Rest in peace Steve.
Neill Lobdell
Remembering Steve during his tour with (LRCT) Long Range Communication Terminal in Kingston. A keen Radio Operator who served the Signal Corps Well. My condolences go out to all Family and Friends. Gone too soon but Forever Remembered. Rest In Peace.
Tim Garriock
Rest In Peace brother. You are already missed.
Jerry Collins
So sad to learn of Steve's passing. Sincere condolences to his family.
I remember Steve well from our time on Sea Kings together. Always in good spirits and sporting a smile. You have gone far too soon and will be missed.
Sincere condolences to Steve's family. He made a great impact during his long career in the Candian Armed Forces and was well known everywhere he went.