Kenneth Biddick

Kenneth Lloyd Biddick, 68, of Charlevoix, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.  He was born on March 29, 1955, in Detroit, MI, the son of Clifford R. and Mary (Rowland) Biddick.

Ken graduated from Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, MO.  He began an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker near St. Louis, but at the age of 24 he moved to Northern Michigan to work as a shipwright for Irish Boat Shop in Harbor Springs.  He quickly found a niche working on custom rebuilds which required meticulous attention to detail.  Later on Ken also became the general manager of Irish in Harbor Springs for several years, but it didn’t take long until he needed the day to day interaction with fellow skilled boat workers.  In the early 2000’s Ken worked for 4 years at Van Dam Custom Boats which enhanced his skills.  He didn’t sit around well, and always had to have a project in the works.  He and his wife, Julie, and later his kids,  built or renovated 9 homes over the years.  His friends knew he was only a call away if they needed a hand with a job of any size or variety.  He was “the go to guy” for advice as well.  Ken was a scuba diver, hockey player and referee.  He was a coach/mentor for Charlevoix Robotics Team youth hockey coach. He was the fun  dad who loved to entertain a horde of kids.  He loved to have friends and family over for game night, gazebo gatherings,  and telling non stop jokes.  Recently Ken and Julie started playing golf. 

On June 6, 1981, at the First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey, Ken married Julie (Fairbairn) Biddick, who survives.  He is also survived by his two children, Ben (Lindsay) Biddick of Brookfield, WI, and Javen (Alan) Head of Camden, NC; his brother, John (Joanne) Biddick of Harbor Springs; two sisters, Carol Hellstrom of Boyne City and Anne (Charles) Berdanier of Dayton, OH; his sister-in-law, Michelle Biddick of Charlevoix; four grandchildren, Linken, Wren, Isla, and Wyatt; and his beloved dog and work partner, Bella.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, at the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, the 100 Men Campaign through the Women’s Resource Center, or the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix. 

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