It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Melvin Bickerton on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Born in New Waterford November 17, 1942, he was a son of the late Rene O'Keefe.

Melvin grew up with a huge passion for baseball both as a player and coach until injury in his later years would force him to retire. Melvin truly enjoyed watching and talking about the game until the very end. He was inducted into the New Waterford and District Sports Heritage Hall of Fame with the Scotchtown Raiders. Melvin was also an avid musician who loved to play and sing and was known to be a competitive Tarabish player who hated to lose. Melvin was a coal miner with Devco for 28 years.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, the late Margaret Ann (Gillis) Bickerton and had raised his five kids, Paul Sponagle, Brian Sponagle, Melvin Bickerton, Michael Bickerton and Michelle Bickerton. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kalan Bickerton, Ashton Bickerton and Autumn Bickerton, Anna Lee MacLean and Adrian MacLean; first daughter, Melvinea MacGregor; loving partner for the last 20 years, Cathy LeDrew.

Besides his wife and mother, he was predeceased by a brother, Wayne.

Melvin was a very generous, kind man who would help anyone in need. He loved his friends, Johnny Price, Kenny Timmons and many more; too many to name. Melvin was a devoted father to his kids and will be sorely missed by many.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

RIP Snooks.