CHARLES ELY "CHARLIE" BIGELOW ~ Class of 1954
February 18, 1936 - August 14, 2008
~ 
Charles Bigelow of Richland passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 14th during a flight of a recreational small plane. He was born in Rugby, North Dakota on February 18, 1936.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Shirley Strege Bigelow ('54) of Richland, son Donovan R. Bigelow ('74) (Bonnie) of Seattle, daughter Vickie ('76) Bigelow (Marc) of Mount Lake Terrace, sister Collette Bigelow Tulip ('57) of Puyallup and mother-in-law Elma Bigelow of Richland. Beloved grandfather of Claire Silvey (Jared) of Bozeman, MT, Victoria Bigelow of Bellingham, and Justin of Seattle. He leaves behind a multitude of close friends that he cherished during his lifetime, as well as his love for his special dog, Kaiser.
His love for all sports was his passion as he spent many hours barefoot waterskiing, NASCAR racing, motorcyc1ing, and flying planes. His love of snowmobile riding was going to end this year due to his back & leg problems (which was a difficult decision to make after 29 years).
He was a very positive man no matter the situation. He always marveled at nature during his flights, on his snowmobile, and on his motorcyc1e.
His passing fits within the lines of the following poem, which aptly describes the man who will be so missed by so many:
LIFE
Life is not a journey to the grave
With the intention of arriving safely
In a pretty and well-preserved body,
But rather to skid in broadside,
Thoroughly used up,
Totally worn out, and proclaiming,
"Wow, what a ride"
~Anonymous
Predeceased by his mother, Meriam Bigelow, his father, M. D. Bigelow, brother, Spencer Bigelow ('55), father-in-law, Alvin Strege, brother-in-law, Alvin Strege, Jr. ('56), and many classmates and friends.
Funeral services Wednesday, August 20th, 1 PM at the Bethel Church in Richland; lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Center in Kennewick.
Express your thoughts and memories on our Einan's online guestbook.