Clifford Biddick

Clifford Dwight Biddick, 75, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at his home. He was born on September 12, 1947, in Detroit, MI, the son of Clifford and Mary (Rowland) Biddick.

 

Cliff graduated from Berkley High School, and went on to attend Lawrence Tech University for several semesters before enlisting in the United States Navy. Due to medical reasons, he was honorably discharged after a short time.

 

He had a gifted mind that enabled him to visualize nearly anything as well as the ability to bring those visions to life. He began his working life as an architect in Traverse City, but eventually found his true calling at Irish Boat Shop in Charlevoix where he worked for 47 years before retiring in 2017. He was originally hired on as a shipwright after his self-built boat caught the eye of Dave Irish, owner of the Irish Boat Shop. He quickly earned a reputation for getting things done the right way and took over the helm as the General Manager and Vice President. In that position he went on to design and oversee the building of the Charlevoix yard of Irish Boat Shop. Not one to be caught sitting around idle Cliff also ran his own business during that time; Biddick Maritime. With the tugboats he built, the Meghan B and the Heather B, he rescued many mariners, salvaged many boats, and did numerous dredging, mooring and docking jobs.

 

He took great pride in the work he did from start to finish no matter the task. Cliff’s love for boats went far beyond his employment. He also built numerous boats for his own enjoyment including several working tug boats and sailboats over the years, as well as many model boats. He enjoyed working on engines, especially those of his “Real” Jeeps. He designed and built his home in Charlevoix with his wife Michelle. He loved teaching his girls about navigation, building, design, and sailing. His family and friends enjoyed many trips to their cottage in Canada, named “Camp Eh!?”. As a man who was well known to help others when they were in need; he will be deeply missed.

 

On February 16, 1985, at the Weathervane, Cliff married Michelle Rick- Biddick, who survives. Also surviving are his three daughters, Meghan (Chris) Smith of Wallace, MI, Heather (Mark) Biddick-Scott of Vanderbilt, and Chelsea Biddick (Joe Shear) of East Jordan; two brothers, John (Joanne) Biddick of Harbor Springs and Ken (Julie) Biddick of Charlevoix; two sisters, Carol Hellstrom of Boyne City and Anne (Charles) Berdanier of Dayton, OH; his granddaughter, Amelia Scott; and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

A celebration of life will be held on April 15th at the Charlevoix Yacht Club from 3pm to 6pm.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, Little Traverse Humane Society or Sail Charlevoix (Lake Charlevoix Mariners, Inc.).

 

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com