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DR. DAN REID BIGELOW
Born: Oct 19, 1919
Date of Passing: Nov 20, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. DAN REID BIGELOW Dr. Dan Reid Bigelow passed away at St. Boniface Hospital on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the age of 93. Dan will be missed by his wife Sonia; his sons: Ted (Barb), Steve (Sharon), Chris (Margot) and Reid (Donna); and his grandchildren: Jeff, James, David, Ashley, and Casey; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Mary and Toody, and brothers Bill and Jack. Dan was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on October 19, 1919, to Dr. Wilfred Bigelow, founder of the first medical clinic in western Canada, and Grace Gordon, nurse and midwife. He studied medicine at University of Manitoba, graduating in 1948. In 1949, he married Gladys Oien, with whom he raised their four sons. They moved to the United States, where in 1954, he received his Masters of Surgery in Orthopaedics at the University of Tennessee. On his return to Winnipeg he continued in orthopaedic surgery at St. Boniface, Grace Hospital and Victoria Hospital, serving as Chief of Orthopaedics at St. Boniface Hospital from 1975 to 1978. Dan continued with the family tradition of research and innovation with the work he did in frostbite and with the Bigelow hip prosthesis. He was an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Manitoba and a member of the International College of Surgeons, serving as the Canadian President from 1972 to 1974. Highlights of his career included becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1958, and two medical exchanges with China. In 1987, Dan married Dr. Sonia Saceda and retired shortly after. Together they enjoyed their winters in Florida and summers at the cottage on Echo Bay, Lake of the Woods, where Dan had visited since childhood. Fishing was always a hobby, from visiting Lake of the Woods with his parents at a young age, to cottaging at Clearwater Bay and then with his sons and family on Bigelow Island at Echo Bay. He loved hunting at Oak Lake, Manitoba, first with his father and brother, and later with his sons, friends, and extended family. He was a talented musician, playing clarinet, saxophone and piano. Dan led an active life that included skiing, and golf, which he played into his eighties. From scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef to visiting the Great Wall of China to iceboating on Lake of the Woods, Dan lived life to the fullest. The family recognizes with gratitude the care Dan received from the staff on the 6th floor at St. Boniface Hospital. There will be no service, but donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Siloam Mission. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2012
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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The Thomassen family sends our love and sympathy to Sonia and all the Bigelow family. One of my fondest memories was my Dad in envy of the "lightning" sailboat Dan sailed. Father built a Norwegian lap strake copper riveted dingy. There were many attempts to overtake the lightning and several dagger boards lost in capsizing during "the challenge" in those days. I remember the last dagger board as a child (big) and I fondly recall my father smiling as we finally passed Dan on a straight run. Dan and Ivar met on our dock afterwards. As a young child it was a treasure to see the handshake and smiles exchanged. ........Sail on Dan.... With much love from the Thomassens...Ole, Ann, Erik, Randi, Arne, Roy and Lisa. - Posted by: Erik Thomassen (Friend and neighbors) on: Dec 04, 2012
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He was always a classy man. Fond memories from the "Vic" - Posted by: Lorna Pankratz (secretary) on: Nov 25, 2012
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Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.....your Dad/Husband will truly be missed. - Posted by: The Peterson Family.....Jean, Jim, Geraldine, Lawrie, Gwen & Karen (Long time family friend / Neighbor ) on: Nov 25, 2012
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I first met Dr. Dan Bigelow in an unfortunate way but in a true sense a huge blessing. At the age of 6 my left arm was badly broken and my folks feared the worst that I may lose my arm due to its severity. Back in 1973 My mom called her oldest brothers Dr. Jack Ross who immediately contacted St. Boniface Hospital and his buddy Dr. Bigelow for preparation of my arrival. Microscopic surgery by Dr. Dan saved my arm. My blood vessels only too small to see with the naked eye were re-attached after a dedicated search and "diluted liquid eye drop procedure" so the Dr Dan explained to me as a child "the ends just reached out and hugged each other" After many visits to rehabilitation my arm came to life with a little squeeze of a finger and happiness of us all with the success of Dr. Dan's amazing work. Thru the years after for check ups in his office I was always a bit scared to look behind the monkey's back statue dressed as a surgeon in his office but finally found out when I was ten. My dearest condolences to Dr. Dan Bigelow's family, friends and colleagues. So happy he truly had a superb retirement and was busy!!! My uncle Dr. Jack and Marlene Ross of San Antonio, Texas always kept in touch. Thank u Dr. Dan for saving my arm and helping also many others enjoy their lives too - Posted by: Barton anderson (Patient) on: Nov 25, 2012
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Great boss and friend - Posted by: Linda (Back) Craig (Secretary 1966 - 1970) on: Nov 25, 2012
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My mother recognized Dr. Bigelow's picture... he operated on my grand-mother's legs - Mrs. Sarrasin... Because of his beautiful work, my grand-mother was able to walk... May God grant him everlasting peace ! The Moquin family would love to offer our prayers and love to his family members that he leaves behind... - Posted by: Sr. Marie H Moquin (grand daughter of a former patient) on: Nov 24, 2012
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I have the highest praises for Dr. Bigalow. My back is fine after all these years and I extend my deep sympathy to all the family. God Bless you all richly. - Posted by: Elsie LeBlanc (Dr. Bigalow was my awesome surgeon in 1969 in St. Boniface hospital) on: Nov 24, 2012
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Oh Dr. B I am going to miss hearing about your adventures, your opinions on everything from A to Z. My deepest sympathy to Sonia and the boys and their families....he will be greatly missed by you all. - Posted by: Sidney Q. Macaw (friend) on: Nov 24, 2012