Brother Knights,
We had a wonderful 100th birthday celebration for Brother Bob Bidwell this past Sunday, June 16th. Bob's daughter joined many Brother Knights, parishioners, and friends to wish Bob a Happy Birthday.
Rich Regan, a Brother Knight and friend of Bob's for 35 years, was the Emcee. He shared a few stories of interest about Bob:
"Bob has seen and done a lot in his lifetime. He was born in Minnesota. Upon finishing High School, he entered the US Army in 1943. After training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he was shipped to England on “The Queen Mary” liner on 14 Feb 1944. There were 7,000 men on board along with 600 nurses. As a member of the 11/79 Engineers, he participated in the “Battle of the Bulge” during Dec 1944 in Belgium. He returned to Chicago on 27 Dec 1945."
"Bob started College in Illinois under the GI Bill, but the VA transferred his schooling to Miami, Florida. In Nov 1949 he married the lovely Phyllis, and they raised 8 children. The marriage lasted 73 years. During their life together they lived in Wisconsin, Baltimore, Morristown, NJ, Venice, FL, and Hilton Head Island, SC."
"He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1957 and went through the 4th Degree initiation with Vince Lombardi, coach of the Green Bay Packers. In 1989 they moved to Hilton Head, and he became active in St Francis By The Sea. He served on the Building Committee of our Church."
"In 1991, Bob also started the Knights of Columbus Council 10668 and was its first Grand Knight. He was an usher at the 9:00 AM Mass for 25 years; and served on the Board of Directors of PEP for 10 years."
KofC District Deputy Rich Ronde attended the event and read a Proclamation for Bob and, by his authority as District 1 Deputy, declared June 16 as Bob Bidwell Day for the entire District. (A copy of the Proclamation from our District Deputy is attached.)
Current Grand Knight Jim Jumpeter extended Happy 100th Birthday wishes on behalf of Council 10668. He also told Bob, "We honor your legacy and dedication as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Your century of life is a testament to resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. May the Knights of Columbus banner fly high, guided by your legacy." The Grand Knight then took an award clock that was presented to Bob as the Charter Grand Knight and explained that the clock will now be retired to the Council's Chamber as a symbol of Bob's timeless dedication to the Knights.
Grand Knight Jim Jumpeter then presented Bob with a Certificate of Achievement for outstanding service that was awarded by Jeffrey M. Crouch, State Deputy. The State Deputy also sent a greetings letter on behalf of Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and the Board of Directors, the South Carolina State Officers and State Council, and in his own name. (A copy of the Certificate and Letter from our State Deputy are attached.)
Happy 100th Birthday Sir Knight Robert Bidwell
In addition to the attached documents, there are several pictures below for you to enjoy.
Fraternally,
Jim Jumpeter, Grand Knight
