Edwin C. Bigelow

Ed’s story began in Akron, Ohio on November 14th, 1926. He was the 5th of 13 children born to Elsie Clara (Schumacher) and Homer Washington Bigelow. He grew up in Akron with nine brothers and three sisters. He completed high school with a vocational emphasis and had the opportunity, during school, to apprentice at a print shop, hand-setting type. Following high school, Ed enlisted with the US Navy and proudly served his country during WWII and the Korean War.

On Valentine’s Day 1952, Ed married the love of his life, Marjorie Anne Whitesell. Together, Ed & Margie welcomed two beautiful daughters, Cheryl and Roberta, and later became proud grandparents to their only grandson, Benjamin. Following Ed’s retirement, they relocated to Fort Collins in September 1983 where they both became active in their community. Margie and Ed shared a forever love. They had celebrated nearly 50 years of marital bliss before the time of Margie’s passing in 2001. Ed never loved another.

Ed had trained in electronics during his service with the Navy and worked most of his career in Aviation, where he had the opportunity to witness the original breaking of the sound barrier by Chuck Yeager. He later worked on the Apollo Avionics System. Ed also became an expert in Pricing Analysis and developed the Program Pricing & Control system adopted throughout the industry. Following Ed’s “retirement” and move to Fort Collins in 1983, he returned to his early interest in printing. He and Margie opened and operated Sir Speedy Printing.

Ed was a highly intelligent and curious person. He was always interested in how things worked and in new technologies. He was a DIY guy who liked building, tinkering, and making his own repairs. During his grandson’s high school years, his workshop and tools became the center for student teams building elaborate science projects, such as trebuchets and tennis ball launchers. His generosity and knowledge created an awesome opportunity for young, curious minds.

Whether by car or RV, Ed saw most of the US. He loved road trips! He and his brothers even drove the motorhome to Alaska. Closer to home, Ed enjoyed fishing and camping. In his later years, he found an interest in stamp collecting and amassed a significant collection. Ed was always up for playing cards and games and even invented a few! He was still enjoying Farkle, a dice game, and playing cards several times a week until his death.

Ed was a longtime member of the Loveland Lions Club. For many years he was very involved with maintaining and running the Buckhorn Northern Railroad, something he really loved being a part of. He also helped with KidSight, providing free vision screening to kindergarteners, and 1st and 2nd graders in Loveland schools. He enjoyed volunteering at the semi-annual Timber Dan Toy Show, an exhibition of vintage, antique, and collectible toys put on by the Lions Club, where he always found time to roam the aisles with his grandson.

There was room in Ed’s heart for all. He was always willing to help others in any way he could. He could talk to anyone, and he made friends easily. To meet Ed, was to know Ed. He knew no strangers. Living a full life was so important to Ed. Even at 98, he was still out walking his little dog, Charley, and getting to know many of his neighbors. Ed set an incredible example of how to live a life. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed enough to know him.

Ed’s legacy of kindness and curiosity lives on in the hearts and lives of his daughters, Cheryl Bigelow Gratias and Roberta Lynn Denny, and his grandson, Benjamin Gratias. He will be fondly remembered by his sons-in-law Raymond Gratias and Rick Denny, and by Benjamin’s fiancée, Devon Wilson. He is survived by brothers Herbert, Glenn, Walter (Fran), Donald, and Roger (Susie) Bigelow, and by sister Joann Richey. Ed is also survived by Charley the Shih Tzu, who brought Ed so much joy and companionship over the last ten years.

A Graveside Service will be held for Ed at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins on what would have been his and Margie's 73rd wedding anniversary, Friday, February 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Military Honors will be rendered in recognition of Ed’s service to his country. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Ed’s memory to the Loveland Lions Club.