Obituary of John Victor Bigland

It is with deep sadness that Victor’s family announces his passing on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at the age of 88 years. Born on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918 to parents Edgar and Elizabeth, Victor spent his early years in Edmonton and the hamlets of Lake Isle, Duvernay and Brosseau, AB. His parents owned and operated a General Store in Lake Isle and a Hotel in Duvernay. In 1940 Victor joined the Air Force where he trained as a Bomb Aimer. A knee injury and colour-blindness prohibited him from going overseas and he became an Air Frame mechanic, stationed in Vulcan and Claresholm, AB. In 1945 Victor moved to Vancouver and joined BC Hydro Freight Railway as a Brakeman and Conductor. During this time he met Eloise MacDonald who he married in 1952 and together they raised their two children, Robin and Doug in Burnaby, residing there some twenty years. They enjoyed close family, friends and neighbours and loved to entertain, play bridge and troll for salmon and trout. Victor was a Mason and a loyal member of the Meridian Lodge, nicknamed by some the “pastor” for volunteering sermons. He aided his neighbour as an Ambulance Assistant and could always be counted on to be there on call. Some were serious accident victims who relied upon Vic’s strong and compassionate character. In the early 1970’s, Vic and Eloise moved to Apple Green Park in Richmond where Vic was Fire Marshall on the Condo Board and a self-appointed gardener. In his retirement, Eloise and Vic travelled to Australia to visit their daughter Robin, their son-in-law Bob and two dear grandchildren, Ryan and Rene. They travelled to Hong Kong prior to Eloise’s passing in 1995, after sharing a loving marriage of forty-three years. Victor cherished Eloise – her death hit him hard. We will always be grateful for the loving support from Barbara and Bob, Leonard and Albi, Kathleen and Bob, Bruce and Lorill and Eve during this difficult time. In his later years he moved to Bonavista Assisted Living and Beverly Centre long term care in Calgary to be closer to his son Doug and daughter-in-law Carol. Heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses who provided such wonderful care to Vic over the years. He was so well-liked by all who knew him. Victor will be dearly remembered as a loving father and husband, a kind-hearted, good-natured and gentle man, possessing a remarkable outlook on life. He is survived by his children Robin and Bob Kittle of Perth, Australia, Doug and Carol Bigland of Calgary; and two grandchildren, Rene and Ryan Kittle. He is also survived by Kathleen Cropper, Barbara Shearer, Bruce and Lorill Bigland, Leonard and Albi Bigland, and Eve Bigland. He was predeceased by his wife Eloise Bigland; parents, Edgar Fletcher Bigland and Elizabeth Gertrude Bigland (nee Barr); brother Jim Bigland; and brothers-in-law, Bob Cropper and Bob Shearer. A family interment service was held at Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby where Victor was laid to rest. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Victor Bigland, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.