LITTLETON, Colo. — Michael Ray Bicknell, business development manager – north central region for Alliance Tire Americas (ATA), died June 1 following a nine-month battle with a brain tumor. He was 61.
His passion for cars led him into the tire business, where he built a 30-plus-year career. He worked for several companies throughout his career, including Bridgestone Americas, Pirelli Tire North America Inc., Denman Tire L.L.C. and Mitas A.S.
ATA hired Mr. Bicknell in February 2015 to fill the newly created post of regional sales manager-West Coast. He previously served as vice president of independent dealer sales for Omni United USA.
"Mike had a tremendous passion for his work and made strong connections with his customers and with his fellow employees," said Jim Clark, ATA president.
"He brought a unique spark to any gathering with his outgoing personality and gregarious manner. But when Mike talked about his wife Sheila and the rest of his family, you could see the joy in his eyes and you knew how much family meant to Mike. It is a great loss."
"I've known and worked with Mike for over 30 years," said Bob Arnold, ATA's vice president of sales. "He never wavered in his professionalism or his enthusiasm for life. The last few months were tough for Mike, but he met the challenge with courage, reaching out to friends and family with his humor and upbeat outlook. Mike will be remembered as a good guy and will be missed."
Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynda Bicknell Shinn, Mr. Bicknell is survived by his wife Sheila; son Jason (Charles); step-son Alex Montgomery; step-daughter Kate Roth (Sean); grandson Tucker; and brothers Jack, Mark and Ron.
Mr. Bicknell's family plans to hold a celebration of Mike's life on June 24. In lieu of flowers, his family asks for donations to Brain Tumor Alliance.