Robert Bigelow Obituary

ROBERT BERLE BIGELOW
October 31, 1925 ~ February 26, 2016

Colonel Robert Berle Bigelow, United States Air Force (retired), 90, passed away on 26 February 2016 in Vancouver, Washington from natural causes. Colonel Bigelow was born on 31 October 1925 in Amarillo, Texas.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1950, he enlisted in the USAF to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot.

While stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, he met the vivacious former Miss Spokane, Marcia Joan Gusman and they married on 14 May 1955.

During his service in the Air Force, Colonel Bigelow completed both foreign and domestic tours of duty including combat tours in both Korea and Vietnam. He was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal and Presidential Unit Citation, and retired from the Air Force in 1980 after a distinguished thirty-year career. After retirement, the family moved to Spokane in 1982 where they settled into a comfortable life. Marcia passed away in 2004 and Bob moved to Vancouver in 2005, where he was an active volunteer, tutoring 1st graders in math for many years, as well as delivering meals to the elderly twice a week.

A proud, well-respected member of our community and possessing a wry wit, he showed compassion and respect for any and all, no matter the circumstance.

He is survived by his last surviving brother, K.K. Bigelow, 94; as well as his four children, Mark Alan, Tracey Ann, Scott Anthony, and Richard Alec. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Mill Plain School Parent Teachers Organization, 400 S.E. 164th Avenue, Vancouver, Washington, 98684. In the 'memo' line please reference 'Mr. Robert'. The funds will go directly towards student needs.

Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.