Dr. Robert Edward Bidwell, M.D.

Dr. Robert Edward Bidwell, MD died peacefully in his home on the afternoon of February 21, 2017. He was with friends and family, and the beloved family Newfoundland, Tess, when he passed. Robert was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1932, to mother, Mary Grafton and his father, Rear Admiral Roger Edward Shelton Bidwell of the Royal Canadian Navy. Robert Bidwell embodied the definition of a good man. He was faithful, honest, hard working and devoted to his family. Despite a life of physical disability, he always managed to not only find the positive in life, but also managed to lend that positive spirit to all who met him. It was community, friends, family and love that mattered to Robert most, not possessions. After serving honorably in the Royal Canadian Navy himself, he immigrated to the United States in 1958 and soon chose his lifelong career path as as doctor of psychiatric medicine at St. Luke’s and Charter Hospitals in Kansas City. Upon retiring, Robert spent his final years at the place he loved most, his home, Martingrove Farm in Shawnee, Kansas where he was surrounded by his favorite pets, Newfoundland dogs, which have been an ever present source of joy in the Bidwell household since the 1980’s. Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne Bidwell. He is also survived by his sister, Gillian Rose, brother, Roger Grafton Bidwell, as well as his sons, Christopher, Andrew, Jonathan, his daughter, Molly and his grandson, Eliot. The family is respectfully requesting no gifts or flowers. Over his life, Robert was a generous donor to the following organizations: The Mayo Clinic, St. Luke’s Hospital, The Newfoundland Club of America Health Challenge and The Heart of America Newfoundland Club Rescue. Any contributions to these organizations made in honor of his memory would be appreciated. A private memorial gathering will be held for Robert at his home.