Floyd BIGSBY

BIGSBY, Floyd
It is with deep sadness, but also a sense of relief, that we announce the passing of Floyd Bigsby on October 20, 2015 at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon at the age of 91. Floyd is survived by his wife of 59 years Nina; his four children Hugh (Marg), Kathy (Doug), Ron (Judy) and Dick (Jennifer); and his 11 grandchildren Jonathan, Anna, Will, Cameron, Eleanor, Richard, Adam, Steven, Robert, Bradley and Stephanie. As well, Floyd is survived by his sister Sue Douglas (Nanaimo) and brothers Alden (Castlegar) and Bob (Vernon), his sister-in-law Jean Kagarice (Colorado) plus numerous nieces and nephews. Floyd was predeceased by his parents Floyd Senior and Edna and his eldest sister Jean Garside. Floyd was born in Edam, Saskatchewan to parents that had emigrated from the US (Michigan). They were enticed by cheap land and the promise of a better life to settle on a hard scrabble farm near the shores of Bright Sand Lake (St. Walberg). When Floyd was 15, the family of seven headed off to the BC Okanagan valley where they were able to purchase a small farm just north of Armstrong. Floyd maintained a strong attachment to that farm in BC for the rest of his life. Encouraged by his parents' emphasis on education, Floyd enrolled at UBC in Vancouver, graduating with a BEng (Agriculture) in 1949, which was followed with a MEng ('55) and a PHD ('62) from Iowa State University. It was during his time at Iowa State that he met Nina (a dietitian); they were married in 1956. Wasting no time, their four children were born between August 1957 and August 1962. After a stint with the Canadian Government in Swift Current, Floyd joined the Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Saskatchewan where he was a Professor until his retirement in 1986. In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Floyd was highly respected for his work as an international expert on farming techniques. Floyd and Nina enjoyed assignments in Nigeria, Ghana, Australia, China, India and Cuba. Largely due to his hands-on experience with farm machinery, he had a special way of connecting with like-minded engineers from all cultures. It was also during this time that Floyd, along with one of his U of S colleagues, started up a "high tech" agricultural machinery company that eventually became NORAC. As long standing members of McClure United Church they become founding members at McClure Place where they enjoyed 25 years of tremendous friendships and great company. In summers, as much time as possible was spent on the farm in Armstrong where Floyd could continue to enjoy the company of his brothers and tinker with machinery without the burden of actually making a living off of the land. Finally, the family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staffs at the St. Paul's Hospital, Sherbrooke Community Centre and Amy McClure House for their care of Floyd in his final days. He was able to be given a place of comfort and compassion at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul's Hospital, and we are forever grateful for the help that they provided. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Floyd's Life will be held on Saturday October 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at McClure United Church (4025 Taylor St E, Saskatoon, Sask. S7H 5N7). In lieu of flowers, donations in Floyd's memory may be made to McClure United Church. Online condolences may be sent from www.hillcrestmemorial.ca Arrangements entrusted to Phil Fredette.