Harold George Bigelow

Harold George Bigelow, 94 of Olympia, Washington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 10 in Cardiff by the Sea, California. Visitation and Viewing will be held at El Camino Memorial Park on Monday, February 15 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. Immediately following will be the Memorial Service with Reverend Neal Keller of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Miramar National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. Harold was born in Olympia, Washington to George Royal Bigelow and Edith May Sylvester on September 2, 1921.He went to high school at Olympia High School and graduated in 1939. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and became a pilot of a B-17 Bomber. Harold flew 47 successful missions over the European Theater of Operations never losing a crew member or plane. Harold obtained the rank of Major and was awarded medals for Meritorious Service and Good Conduct as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree of Industrial Arts from San Jose University. He worked as a middle school industrial arts teacher at Portola Valley Middle School for 20 years. Harold, Hal, was involved in Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed performing in school plays, golfing, flying and learning about his lineage. At age 87, Harold celebrated his birthday by parachuting out of a plane which is something he always wanted to do. Harold was passionate about his military service. He kept in touch with all of his former crew members and attended reunions commemorating their military service. He also enjoyed music and participated in many vocal and bell choirs throughout the years. Family was of extreme importance to Harold. He was very proud of his large family and enjoyed visiting with them whenever possible. Harold is preceded in death by his sisters, Miriam Roach and Josephine Hagerman and his brother, Daniel Bigelow. Harold is survived by his beautiful wife, Maxine, of 70 years, his sons, Doug Bigelow, Mark Bigelow, Bob Bigelow and Matthew Bigelow and daughter, Susan Julien, his 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren Condolences may be left in Harold’s online guestbook at [WEBSITE URL]. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”