Richard Jean Bedard, known to many as Bad Man Rick, Mr. Ricky, Dick BeDad, and–best of all – Pop Pop, passed away at the age of 74 on February 12, 2025 at his home in Ocean View, Delaware.

Rick was born on July 12, 1950, in Washington, D.C to Normand Henry Bedard and Jeanne Renee (Richard) Bedard, and graduated with Bishop McNamara High School's class of 1968. 1970 was a big year in Rick's life; after receiving his degree from Prince George's County Community College, he married his high school sweetheart, a La Reine girl, Brenda Marie Branson, at St. Phillip the Apostle in Camp Springs, Maryland and joined the D.C. Army National Guard. Rick received an honorable discharge from the Guard after six years of service as an SPC 5 with an M.O.S. in 31-E20 Communications.

Rick joined the JATC Electrical Apprenticeship in 1972 and excelled over his career as a Local 26 union electrician, continually proving himself to be a hard worker, creative thinker, and natural leader. He played a key role in leading massive electrical installations at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Defense CEETA, Pentagon Basement, W.R.A.I.R, Pentagon Wedge 1, NIST, and the National Portrait Gallery. Rick was a company man, ultimately dedicating 30+ years of service to Singleton Electric Company, where he rose to the rank of Job Superintendent.

Beyond his career, Rick was a passionate and extremely talented amateur engineer and garage-tinkerer. He loved drilling holes in boats, fishing, building custom fishing rods, fixing bicycles, and spending time with his grandchildren–when he'd usually become the biggest, most excited kid in the room. Rick could often be found with a smile on his face, whether he was pulling a cartful of giggling kids behind his John Deere tractor or displaying an armful of trophy fish.

Rick was famous amongst friends and family for "The Rick Factor": a love of to-do lists potent enough to keep the Post-It Note industry in business almost single handedly. Never one to be defenestrated, Rick loved words and always found unique ways to express himself.  He was a morning crossword and National Geographic Magazine aficionado.

Throughout his life, Rick was deeply involved in his community, acting as a football and baseball coach for the Camp Springs Boys and Girls Club, a member of the Moose Lodge and Kiwanis Club, a board member and Vice President of the Turkey Point Property Owners Association, and a member of the Bay Forest Facility Committee at his dream home in Ocean View, Delaware.

It is impossible to overstate how much Rick loved his family and friends and was loved in return. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; three children and their spouses: Adam (Melinda), Nicole (Geoff) Young, and Matthew (Brie Bickmore); five beloved grandchildren: Savannah Joy, Summer Breeze, Luke Seven, Tanner Nicholas, and Nathan Thomas; one great-granddaughter, Ruby May; and five siblings: Diane Effland, Frank (Irene), Normand, Jr., David (Paula), and Donald (Lynn). He was preceded in death by his parents, Normand and Jeanne, and his brother-in-law, Phil Effland.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be announced at a later (warmer) date. Memorial contributions may be made in Rick's honor to VITAS Hospice, ( vitascommunityconnection.org ) Tunnel to Towers, or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.