Allen Dexter Bidol

Allen Dexter Bidol, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and educator, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, in Jackson, Michigan, at the age of 85. His parents, Alexander and Helen Bidol, preceded him in death.

Allen is survived by his two children, Helen Bidol and Alisa Emanuel; two grandchildren, Rainier and Reon Emanuel; brothers Michael (Judith) and James (Margaret) Bidol; and dear aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Allen remained close to his former wife, Patricia Bidol-Padva, with whom he shared many years of life together, along with their children and grandchildren. A dedicated educator, Allen attended Jackson Junior College, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Michigan University and a Master’s in Science Education from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He was in the Marine Corps Reserve. Later, he taught high school biology at Ferndale (MI) High School and at Niles West High School in Illinois. Earlier, Allen was professionally trained as a Medical Laboratory Technician through a program in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He worked in hospital medical labs at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, MI and at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. Allen began a fulfilling career as a Life Sciences professor at Oakland Community College-Orchard Ridge Campus, where he taught for 40 years and was the department chair for many years. His commitment to education and mentorship shaped the lives of many students. He inspired countless young people, including neighbors and cousins, to pursue careers in science. Outside of his professional life, Allen was an avid birdwatcher and nature enthusiast. He found joy in hiking trails and photographing wildflowers and lichen in the state and national parks he loved to visit. Some of the parks and natural landscapes he enjoyed visiting were the Everglades, the Arizona desert, Nova Scotia, Acadia National Park in Maine, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and his beloved Waterloo Recreation Area in Michigan. He took his family on many wonderful vacations that included time spent in nature. In addition, he was fantastic card player, who had a regular monthly poker game with his friends for many years, and often played pinochle and rummy with his family.                                                         

Allen was a faithful Catholic and long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Farmington, Michigan, where he attended Mass regularly prior to his illness. His faith and family were the cornerstone of his life, and he was known for his charitable nature, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Allen and his family are eternally grateful to all of the dedicated staff who lovingly served and cared for him while he lived for several years at Mission Point Health Campus of Jackson, including the team from Heart to Heart Hospice.                                                   

Allen will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, faithfulness, and unwavering love for his family and community. May Allen behold and be eternally rested in the loving comfort, joy, and home of his Heavenly Father as he joins his family and embarks on the exploration of the universe with those who have gone before him!                                                                                             

Allen’s memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday April 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jackson, Michigan, preceded by visitation at 10 am.

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