Harold C. "Gilly" Bigelow

BINGHAM -- Harold "Gilly" C. Bigelow, 83, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2006, at the Somerset Rehabilitation & Living Center in Bingham with his family by his side.

Pop was born at home on Concord Plantation on May 12, 1923, being one of 21 children. He was the son of Thomas and Lillian (Corson) Bigelow.

Pop grew up in Bingham and attended schools there. He married Althea Howes of Lexington in 1950 and then later married Joyce Miller in 1971.

Pop went to work at a logging camp at the age of 16, working under his father, Tom, as a "cookee." In the summers, Pop worked the log drives for many years. Although he spent much of his earlier years working in the woods and on the log drives, he also worked at Quimby's Veneer Co. for 27 years until it closed. He later worked at Woodtech in North Anson, retiring in 1988.

Pop enjoyed and took great pride in gardening. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and had a great sense of humor. Pop always had a way of making people laugh. He was an avid Red Sox fan.

Pop is survived by two sons, Harold "Hal" T. Bigelow and his wife, Carol, of Skowhegan, and Denman "Dan" T. Bigelow and his wife, Robin, of Skowhegan; two daughters, Heidi Bigelow of Watertown, Mass., and Rebecca Bigelow of Fairfield; two grandchildren, Sarah and Matt Bigelow, both of Skowhegan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pop is also survived by a sister-in-law, Cora "Boots" Bige-low and her daughter, Julie Wade, both of whom took wonderful care of him during his stay in Somerset Rehabilitation and Living Center. He is also survived by his former wife Althea of Skowhegan.

He was predeceased by a son, Gilbert; and his former wife Joyce.

A special thanks to the Somerset Rehabilitation & Living Center of Bingham for all the care that they gave to Pop.

A time of celebration will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.