Michael Bruce Bidwell

It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of Mike Bidwell, 65, announces his untimely passing from a tragic fall at his home on Thursday, September 7. Mike’s Celebration of Life will be on September 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the Waco Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave, Waco, Texas, 76701. The family invites those in attendance to join them in wearing green, Mike’s favorite color. Mike was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend who devoted his life to others. He could be counted on by all and was a strong and steady presence in the lives of those lucky to know him.

Mike was born on April 12, 1958, in Tucson, Arizona, the second child and only son of Lois and Benjamin Bidwell. He was married to Joy (Catt) Bidwell for 42 happy years as they welcomed and raised three children who were his pride and joy – Brett, Brianne, and Mikala. He also was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren – Charlotte, Adrian, Julian, Brooks, and Ava – who softened his heart with each new addition. His family was his greatest achievement, even in light of his extraordinary business success.

Mike was both brilliant and handy, which made him the perfect candidate to transform the home services space both inside and outside the franchising industry. As CEO of Neighborly, he had unmatched vision and energy that inspired the Neighborly team to accomplish unparalleled growth beyond anyone’s expectations (except his, of course). While Mike was immensely proud of all that the Neighborly team accomplished, he was most motivated by the life changes this success created for the home office and franchise teams.

The value and currency he cared about above all was to have a positive impact on people. He lived for the stories of how Neighborly changed a family’s life and how the Code of Values inspired them to do something special for a customer. Every decision was driven by the positive experience it would create for the recipient and with the hope that it would create a domino effect to make the world just a little bit better.

Mike was a giver. He donated his time, thoughts, and resources to help others. He regularly served on the boards of impactful charities, created scholarships, and helped individuals in need. He knew just the right way to help people and organizations to set them on a trajectory to a brighter future. His desire was to lead people to a rewarding life of service and giving.

While it is not possible to accurately quantify the number of lives Mike positively affected, it is certain that he changed hearts all over the world.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and his older sister. He is survived by his wife, Joy Bidwell; son, Brett Bidwell and his wife, Madeline; daughter, Brianne Rechy and her husband, Jaime; daughter, Mikala West and her husband, Aaron; and grandchildren Charlotte, Adrian, Julian, Brooks, and Ava.

The family’s most sincere wish is that people practice a generous life of giving and service to honor the greatest man they’ve ever known. To further celebrate the legacy of his giving spirit and in lieu of flowers or gifts, they also invite all to join the family in donating to one of the two organizations below.

- The Waco Foundation, 1224 Austin Avenue, Suite 100, Waco 76701, or online at www.wacofoundation.org.

- Mike and Joy Bidwell Endowed Scholarship at the McLennan Community College Foundation,1400 College Drive, Waco,  TX 76708 or online at http://bit.ly/MCCFND21 .

Share a photo, video, memory, or story of Mike or if you'd like to leave his family a message, please do at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/QkK5SV2q

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.