Thomas Bickersteth

Thomas George Bickersteth went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2024.

Tom was born in Flint, Michigan on October 21, 1943. He married Maureen Galsterer on October 11, 2003, and they lived in Charlevoix, Michigan summer and fall, and Fort Myers, Florida winter and spring. Tom grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan and attended school there, then went to General Motors Institute. Tom left the engineering field and became an Independent Financial Advisor using Raymond James as his financial institution for 50 years. He practiced at his firm Bickersteth, Brown & Associates in Charlevoix, Michigan. Tom was a proud member of Cheine de Rotisseurs. He joined the congregation of Fresh Start Church in Petoskey, Michigan and gained a Class IV license from Dove Ministries International, using this to serve the people.

Tom was an avid sailor and an excellent power boater, both skills allowing him to take advantage of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. He also boated in Florida and loved taking trips with his friends on rented craft in the Caribbean. One of his favorite places to visit was Beaver Island, Michigan; another was Door County, Wisconsin. Tom loved golf and played with a very low handicap. He especially loved playing golf with his son Dan and together they won the Michigan Open when it was played at the Belvedere Club in Charlevoix.

Tom rose to a very high position in Raymond James attaining the level of Chairman’s Council many times. One of the perks of that level was travel meetings all over the world: France, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand and others, as well as multiple cities in the U.S: Honolulu, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Santa Monica, Chicago, Dallas, and many others. He loved travelling and usually took an extra few days at the end of the meeting to tour the area, taking in its sights. He was especially fond of learning the history of all his destinations and touring off the beaten path.

Foremost in Tom’s every thought was his family. He was always so proud of their achievements! His grandson Jacob plays on the U of M tennis team and during late high school and his years at Michigan Tom often travelled with him to meets all over the country.

Tom leaves behind his wife Maureen, his daughter Julie and her daughters Lilly and Lauren. His son Dan and his children Jacob, Anna, Grace and Andrew. His daughter Megan, her husband Greg and their children Wilson and Ella (named for Tom’s mother!).

He also leaves step-children JohnE Galsterer, his wife Erin, and their children Owen, Alex and Declan. And Jeff Galsterer, his wife Rebecca, and their children Will and Carly.

He also leaves his sisters Carol, Amy, and Emily. 

And though not family he will be missed by his good friends Kurt and Phoebe Wietzke, Tom Mueller, Chris and Leslie Nyland and Sam Supernaw, Sr. 

Tom always loved his pets, more photos of him include them than not. Right now, his Shih Tzus Lucy, Desi and Twinkle are left behind. It’s a real testimony to their loyalty to him that they were all discombobulated as he was passing. It particularly hit Desi, who just plain quit eating, and was constantly seeking reassurance.

It is a tradition in Charlevoix that people have and attend memorial services. Tom’s son Dan has agreed to take over that responsibility. These get togethers often happen at one of the pavilions at Depot Beach. Dan plans for that and will set a date for when all of the family’s children can get together with Tom’s friends. Dan will make those arrangements known when he decides on the date. The Charlevoix grapevine will no doubt be the method of communication, so stay posted!

The arrangements were made by Mortensen Funeral Homes, Charlevoix. Coincidentally, Mortensen’s is located next door to Tom’s office.

Tom was active in Fresh Start Church of Petoskey for many years. It was his desire that those who wished to honor his memory financially do so by sending gifts to Fresh Start Church of Petoskey, 2501 U. S. 31 North, Petoskey, Michigan, 49770.