Many years has passed and I still think of Mr. Bickel and his wonderful teaching. When I felt low about myself, he believed in me and my ideas. It meant the world to me. It's many years too late but I'd like to offer my condolence.

David was a true scholar in the purest sense. He had such passion for learning and teaching others to understand the workings of the mind. I had the honor of being his student at Seoul Foreign School in his English class. He would always provoke us to look past the surface of the poetry or literature we had been studying. To see deeper into the true meaning of the work. That level of diagnostic exploration of knowledge, metacognition, was infectious throughout my studies but also my day to day experience of life. He brought out that curious spark in all his students whether they were conscious of it or not. We had such fascinating discussions about education, religion, struggle and joy. I still flashback to the end of his talks where we would all be lost in thought, gears turning, while he cracked that signature cheeky smile knowing that he just blew our minds. His body is no longer here with us but his kind intellectual spirit lives on in our hearts as we journey forward. Warmest regards to the Bickel family and dear friends.

I am saddened to learn of Dave's passing. In 2003-2004 I had the privilege to teach an American Studies class with Dave at HKIS, but more importantly, I was privileged to be his friend. I was always so impressed with the passion and joy that Dave brought to his teaching and the care he showed for his students. He never failed to push his students to think for themselves. For the one year that I was blessed to know Dave, he took me under his wing and made me feel incredibly welcome in Hong Kong. Words cannot accurately express what a wonderful man Dave was, and I will miss him.

We are saddened at the passing of Dave, a fine person who we have the honor to know also as a revered educator. Our thoughts and prayers are for comfort and peace to all his family and close friends. May we meet in Paradise!

Otto and I will always Remember David. He represented a Life Well Lived.  He and his family welcomed, and nurtured so many who passed through HKIS.TheBickel family was, and is,  a treasure in our memories .  THANK YOU so much for your support to so many people who had the great pleasure of knowing David and the Bikel family.  Peace and joy to all!  Delores  Wirgau, (and Otto too) in St.L

Chris and family, we are so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all during these difficult days.

I had Mr. Bickel as an English teacher at HKIS in the early 2000s. I extremely fond memories of Mr. Bickel encouraging me to push myself further and exploring topics I found personally fascinating. I owe a great deal of my later success to teachers like Mr. Bickel who pushed me harder. Thank You, Mr. Bickel.

I was so blessed to be in ministry with David at LHSD.  He made rides to school enjoyable and many times reminded me what ministry was meant to be.  He was a fine example to all our students how a man of God lives his life.  May he enjoy his opportunity to now engage our Savior in his famous discussions.  Our hearts go out to his family.

We lost a university...a friend....a critical thinker....a loyal fan of the Detriot Tigers...and a teacher who mentored, not simply taught.

I am really saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bickel. He was my favorite teacher at HKIS. He was calm, kind and brought out confidence in students, at least he did that for me. I really appreciated his teaching style, his knowledge and his delivery. Please know that he had a lasting impact on many students and he was very much appreciated. I am sorry for your loss. You have my sincere sympathy during this time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was such a warm and thoughtful human being.

From that serendipitous day in Shanghai to the late nights at F Dong trotting down to the neighbours 'detoxing' on laughter, tears, wine and scotch...
Dave - mentor, confidant, buddy, scholar, comedian, cynic, sage and irreplaceable.
So thankful and blessed to work with and around him  a mind capable of so much insight, and in one moment, with a single comment - create a new way of seeing the world. International education is diminished with his passing.
Extending love and prayers across the world to the Bickel family.

Dorothy,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Our sincere sympathy on the death of your son David.

David was my expository writing teacher at Hong Kong International School. Wow, what a chore I was for him!  And what I remember most is that he didn't give up on me.  I always chuckled a bit as I progressed through my education becoming a better and better writer, thinking he would probably say, 'Finally!'. I am saddened to learn of his passing. He was a beloved and valued member of that community. My thoughts and prayers to the Bickel family and his friends.

"A true scholar and gentle man" Gary and I loved spending time with Dave. Sharing in the silence, the humor, the wisdom that was Dave. Our journey with you was short but it was deep, we miss you but are so thankful for the experience. Marion Statton and Gary Allen.

A wonderful friend and teacher. I always looked up to Dave as a fabulous husband to my good friend Chris and an example to us all on how to live a full and beautiful life.

Joel and I are saddened to hear of the death of Dave.  We were colleagues with him at Hong Kong Internstional School. Our sons had Dave as their teacher for High School English.  They very much respected Dave as a teacher, especially for his teaching style.  Dave has a wonderful family. We have such fond memories.  Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and our prayers for your comfort.  We look forward to our glorious reunion in heaven.  Sincerely and with love, Mary and Joel Schmidt.

Going to miss you Cuz. Big bear of a man with a heart to match. You'll finally be able to settle who's better, Al Kaline or Ty Cobb as you look down and smile. Deepest condolences and lasting memories. 
-Dave & Kim Dahn

Sending our love and prayers to the Bickel family. Dave was a great inspirational teacher and friend. He had a marvelous mind and a sincere heart!

David was my high school English teacher at Hong Kong International School in the early 80s and my class - the Class of 86 - dedicated the yearbook to him and he spoke at our graduation. He was an amazing educator who was a great influence on many of our lives. In my whole life, I can only recall two teachers who impacted my life, and he was one of those. David was the definition of a gentle, inspiring soul. "O Captain, my Captain..."

A True Mentor and Teacher I will never forget.  May your heart and soul rest in peace.

RIP Coach. Thanks for all the great debates in english class. You will be missed but not forgotten.

Our deepest sympathy to you all - from the Nissen's; Wally, Mary & Ryan.

Sending my love and prayers of support for the loss the Bickel family is going through.  Giving thanks for Dave, a man who impacted me deeply, like so many, through his love of learning, his keen listening, his Socratic questioning, his wit and wisdom, and his depth of faith.  Truly a life well lived and an immeasurable legacy he leaves behind!  Afoot and light hearted, Dave, take to the open road!

Our deepest sympathies to your family for such a great loss.  
He will be sadly missed by his close family and friends. 
We will be making an In Memoriam donation to honour his life and we will be with you in spirit.
Sending love and prayers, 
Terry Polevoy & Joanne Renaud(Waterloo, Ontario)

Thinking of you with heavy hearts. The loss you feel so deeply is because of the love that so enriched your lives!

Our hearts go out to the Bickel family.......we are so very sorry for this immense loss in your lives.

OBITUARY

David William Bickel

May 26, 1950 – June 26, 2016

Lakeshore Memorial Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services