Sons plead for answers after hit-and-run driver kills their 83-year-old father in St. Paul
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Police in St. Paul are searching for a driver who they say hit and killed an 83-year-old man earlier this month.
Another driver found John Bidon lying in the intersection of Arlington Avenue and McAfee Street around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, the St. Paul Police Department said.
Officers responded, and John Bidon was taken to Regions Hospital, where he later died. The Ramsey County medical examiner determined he died after being hit by a vehicle.
"He was a great guy. Well loved by everybody. Always had a big smile," said Mike Bidon.
Mike and Patrick Bidon never thought they would lose their 83-year-old father like this.
"We think he went down to Lake Phalen to look at a new project they're doing on the corner of Arlington Avenue and East Shore Drive and when he was walking back is when we think he was struck," Patrick Bidon said. "Arlington Avenue, there are no roundabouts, there are no stop signs up until you get to Hazelwood, so this is actually a racetrack."
It was a route John Bidon knew well. His sons said he jogged around Lake Phalen every day for 30 years, often running one mile backward.
"My friends would always bring that up, 'Hey we saw JB running around the lake backwards.' They just laughed like heck, they got a kick out of him," Mike Bidon said.
It's those fond memories they cherish now, from teaching them to fish to being a coach and a mentor.
"He was the father some of my friends never had," Mike Bidon said.
John Bidon was also an usher at a church in downtown St. Paul for more than 65 years. After he retired from 3M, he found a new job: caring for his lawn and garden.
"When he had a project to do he'd follow through with it. There's no stopping him," Mike Bidon said.
John Bidon lost his wife, Josephine Bidon, a few years ago. He leaves behind his two sons, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Both Mike and Patrick Bidon hope the driver comes forward so their family can get closure.
"We forgive you, but you gotta speak up and do the right thing. Please speak up and do the right thing," Mike Bidon said.
Police did not provide any information about the suspect vehicle or driver, but are asking the public for help. Anyone with information is asked to call 651-266-5722.
