Robert Paul Bidney

Robert Paul Bidney, called "RP", has passed into the Presence of his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. RP was a man's man with a heart of gold and a builder's hand. He passed in Fort Worth, Texas, last week and will be honored in services this coming Monday morning at 10:00 am at the Montecito Valley View Chapel and interred at Montecito Memorial Park as well. He was 84 years of age and is survived by his wife Alice. They were blessed with 24 years of marriage. His surviving children are Michael, Kenny, Janice, Ann, Nancy and David; his survivors also include his sister Grace of San Francisco; 13 grand children and 19 great grandchildren.

RP was born in Muskegon, Michigan in 1926; he was one of three children born to Peter and Helen Bidney. In high school, he lettered in tennis and he played a pretty good game of football as well. After graduating, he won a football scholarship to Notre Dame University in Indiana. After a year at Notre Dame, he enlisted in the United States Air Corp and saw two years of duty. He was a World War II Veteran!

His construction career began in Guam where he worked for two years. He returned to California and became a licensed contractor. The companies motto was, "If Bidney built it, it is better!" He married Jeanne Williams in 1950 and they were blessed with 2 children, Michael and Kenny. They made their home in Colton and his many construction projects included schools, banks, Civic Centers and some residential. He was the contractor on the World Prophetic Center located on Pepper Avenue in Colton and built in the 1980's, and he rebuilt Lon Laymon's Candy Firm building on Waterman Avenue in 1998. One of his favorite projects was the Hellendale Community Church which was built in the 1990's. He was a specialist in tilt up concrete construction buildings!

RP married Alice McCarroll in 1987 and their home was in Apple Valley - they were neighbors to the famous movie cowboy family, Roy and Dale Rogers. They attended the same church together, the Presbyterian Church of Apple Valley and were warm friends to each other. Though RP never retired, he did a lot of international travel including trips to England and Europe. Alice and RP journeyed to Eastern Europe in 1995, and they visited Israel and Egypt. The highlight of this trip was his baptism in the River Jordan by his Pastor, Bob Johnson. They also cruised in the Caribbean as well.

The inner center of this man was his connection with and commitment to Christ! Every meal had a prayer and every Sunday was for worship. He was active in the Presbyterian Church of Colton in the 1950's and in Colton Community Church where he served on the Trustee Board. He is remembered as a man with an infectious laugh and a jolly approach to life. His hugs were breath-taking and his life was beautiful. When he lost his eye sight 4 years ago, he never complained - he just took it in his stride! He took VA training in Palo Alto and went on with life which included "reading" books for the blind. He was always a community minded man with memberships in Colton Rotary, the Masons and in the Grand Terrace Lions Club. He also served in Grand Terrace on the Planning Commission. He gave back to his community and was generous with his means and time. He was a giver! He was a godly man with a positive approach to life.

Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.