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Thomas Bigham Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bigham
Matthew Conti
December 2, 2019
I have 3 Hurricane Super-Nuker sails that were custom made for Jake many, many years ago - found his story online - sadly never knew him. Happy to give them to you as I live local in the Gorge and they are not safe for use anymore, but thought they might hold sentimental value to the family...Please let me know. Matt
Richard Pitts
January 5, 2009
Dear Jake
After a year you are still a beacon of inspiration for me and I look foward to my thoughts of you for the rest of my life.
Love Richard
January 1, 2009
January 1, 2009
Peter Menefee
December 24, 2008
Jake,
I made some great deep powder turns for you today. You will always be missed.
Victoria Lane
December 23, 2008
Judy and the girls, We are thinking of you all the time right now up here on snow covered Summit Drive. Wishing you peace and sending you comfort and love from Adam, James, and Victoria
Martha's Vinyard 1985?
Barrie Fisher
January 29, 2008
When I brag about my dear friend Jake I use the words..."The funniest man I have ever met". He knew the right way to look at life, so fresh and full of charisma, he moved through life with such confidence. He could make the whole world listen, because he had so much to say and when he said it...you were sure it would be well thought out and interesting. His intelligence was evident, his zest for living his life on his own terms was achieved and in choosing Judy for his amazing, creative, beautiful wife was perfect. Building his career around his Rowena home (kitchen) was typical. His interest in family, sports, travel, arts, politics and hospitality were such a part of him. Jake is a friend that guides me through my own life by the person he was. His contribution to the world and the friends and family he gave so much.... IS NEVER ENDING. Shine on! dear friend.. I love you.
Tom Ziegler
January 22, 2008
I knew Jake in high school. He was smart, kind, funny and most of all, compassionate. We have lost a ray of sunshine that enlightned and warmed all of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Scott Hege
January 17, 2008
Anyone who knew Jake looked forward to being in his presence. He was a gentleman in all situations and added immensely to whatever he was involved with. I am better off for knowing Jake and will miss him. His life was far too short. My sympathies to his Judy and the girls.
dawn and gary brown
January 15, 2008
Judy and girls. Gary joins me in sending our deepest sympathy and the love we have felt through his devoted sister Hildy. The love of family and friends will be a comfort in your loss. Dawn and Gary Brown
Todd Feitelson
January 13, 2008
I knew Jake from the newspaper at Hamilton College, 25 years ago. We were photo editors, and so spent Thursday nights / Friday mornings in the darkroom together, along with the occasional crazy research mission for the newspaper (I remember him renting a wetsuit to search for a supposed underwater fraternity car in a nearby lake.) Jake was bigger than life even then -- he was energetic and charismatic, and from time to time I've wondered where his adventures had taken him. I always sort of hoped we'd run into each other for an hour, just so he could tell me some good stories. It's painful to finally hear those stories in this way, but it does give me joy to see that he remained the same person that I knew, and that many others were able to share in his gifts. My thoughts are with you all.
Tim Leival
January 12, 2008
Goobye, old friend. You will be remembered.
Claire and Charlie Miner
January 10, 2008
Although I only met you once or twice Jake I felt I have known you through Anda who spoke of you always with tremendous love, admiration and respect.
Our love and condolences to your family.
Laura Arnold
January 7, 2008
Daily Thoughts For Daily Needs
If we put our problems in God's hands, there is nothing we need understand
It is enough to just believe that what we need we will receive.
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain.
We can't have all bright days, but it's certainly true
There was never a cloud that the sun didn't shine through!
The more you love, the more you'll find, that life is good and friends are kind....
For only what we give away, enriches us day to day.
Often we stand at life's crossroads and view what we think is the end, but God has a much bigger vision and he tells us it's 'only a bend'.
Everything is by comparison. Both the bitter and the sweet. And it takes a bit of both of them to make our life complete.
Oh make us more aware dear God, of little daily graces, that come to us with 'sweet surprise', from never dreamed of places.
You can't pluck a rose all fragrant with dew, without part of the fragrance remaining on you!
God never sends the winter without the joy of spring,
And though today your heart may cry, tomorrow it will sing!
My deepest sympathy, I keep you all in my prayers.
Scot Jarvis
January 7, 2008
Jake, a true renaissance man of tremendous charisma. Equally happy in deep political sparring at the dinner table, dancing in the kitchen with his daughters while doing dishes, riding his road bike up the steepest of hills, or ripping up the trails of Mosier on his dirt bike. He came from those of the social register, but you'd never guess it when he came tearing downwind to sail with the boys off Doug's West in the waves. He could turn anything into humor, and inspired humor at that. Jake was one of those folks you just trusted naturally. He designed my home, provided the gathering point for our community, and was as good a friend as I could ever imagine. Irreplaceable to all, and deeply missed.
Colleen Dealy
January 7, 2008
We extend our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Dealy
(Friends of Hildy)
Jon Phinney
January 7, 2008
I am so sorry about Jake's passing and my condolences to his family and friends . His sense of humor and laugh were infectious; his talents in art and science were immense; his interests in the environment were deep seated and right! He will be missed by all who were fortunate to cross paths with him recently or earlier in his life. I did so in high school and again 25 years later.
Mark Carpenter
January 6, 2008
I grew up with Jake in NYC and also went to Salisbury School at the same time as he. He was the leader of our little group of boys at General Theological Seminary - charismatic and delightful as a kid, always ready with a plan to entertain those a year or two younger than he. Without question we looked up to him with love and respect. I believe he took these traits into adulthood, leading, creating, living 'Strong' as they say in Texas. He remains quite an influential and special guy in my mind, even after all these years...
Jen McCalley
January 5, 2008
Judy and girls,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Karen Taber
January 3, 2008
Judy, Raina, Louisa, and Isabelle;
Everyday since we heard of your tremendous loss from Rana and Cleo,
we have been sending you heartfelt thoughts filled with love, courage & strength as you all attempt to continue your journey of life that Jake would want for you.
The Taber Family (friends of the Rochat Family)
Claire Griffin Lyddon and Family
January 3, 2008
We send our condolences, sorrow and support as your neighbors in Rowena and Hood River, in the face of your tremendous loss. When the sun shines again on the shores of the Columbia River, may wonderful memories warm you.
Sincerely,
Geoff Flickinger
January 3, 2008
You were so special Jake! Your strong but gentle spirit radiated outward to all your friends and everyone you met. I have never met anyone who enjoyed and loved life more than you. You included everyone in on this happiness, understanding that all of life was interdependent. You taught us the importance of enjoying life!
Ted Matthews
January 3, 2008
Friendship multiplies our joy, and divides our grief. Jakes spirit is alive and amongst all that knew him. He was a kind, caring, and generous person. Full of life. I was glad to know him and send heart felt condolences to Judy, their children, and his family.
Caroline Nation
January 3, 2008
I have many happy,funny and even zany memories of weekends at The Farm House. You were so patient with all the bossy women ! I will always remember your wit, kindness and great heart.My love and condolences to your family.
Mary Bigham Binks
January 3, 2008
When we lost Jake a part of each of us died with him. I pray that this hole will be filled with joyful memories of him and his love and zest for life. And that we can keep his spirit alive. We were lucky that we were able to know such a special person
Charles Scribner
January 2, 2008
With love and sympathy from your Scribner cousins-- Ritchie and Charlie, Liz and Charlie, and Chris
Richard Pitts
January 2, 2008
Jake-I passed Rowena on my way back from Baker City on New years Day. Auld Lang Syne by the Salsa Celtica group were on my CD. How appropriate. You will be dearly missed. There is an empty spot in our hearts. Love Richard
Marge Gale
January 2, 2008
Our family was blessed to have shared Thanksgiving with Jake, his family and a group of eclectic, wonderful friends. I have never had so much fun. Jake was sunshine. Everyone was drawn to him. He made us all laugh, made everyone feel like they were special and always had the damn cutest grin on his face. We feel honored to have called him our friend. We will continue to love all the good that he represented. We look forward to continuing our friendship with Judy and the girls and their HUGE dog. xoxo the Brentlinger/Gale family
Ted Potter
January 2, 2008
Life is a great gift, we all get it for nothing but it's what Jake did with his turn that made him so special. His humor, equanimity and how he treated everyone with respect and friendship that made us all better people. You will always be in our hearts Jake.
Ted
Ted
Andrew Weaver
January 2, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Andy Weaver
Wilcox Weaver
Morgan Weaver
Steve Wolford
January 2, 2008
Jake was such a good guy. Personable, charismatic and outgoing. You had to like him and smile along with him. He loved life and his family, and he will be missed. We all mourn with his family at this loss.
Mark Kroese
January 2, 2008
Jake was a charismatic leader who loved life, and lived life to its fullest. When Jake was there, you just felt better about everything. He was a "life force" guy who was oozing with goodness. The world will miss his presence and inspiration.
John Hutchins
January 2, 2008
Jake, we remember you for your tremendous spirit, spontaneity, sense of humor, enthusiasm and leadership. You were a great brother, father, husband and friend. You will always feel close by and you will always be in our thoughts.
Anda, John, Sara, Katie & Elizabeth
Joan Silver
January 2, 2008
Jake did such a fine job on the Oregon Investment Board, where I grew to respect him very much. I know he will be missed by his family. My condolences to them.
Jana Scherf
January 1, 2008
Memories keep those we love,
close to us forever.
Jake, I´m glad to got to know you.
With deepest sympathy,
your dear friend from Germany.
arlene burns
January 1, 2008
jake and his family are the finest of fine.. My heart is broken to hear this news.. I send much love to Judy and the girls, from Turin, Italy, where i am caring for my partner. The Gorge, Oregon, the States, Baja, and the world will feel this loss.
ellen yoakum davis marcher
January 1, 2008
Jake, You were one in a million. I can't even begin to describe the impact you had on all of us who knew and loved you. My heart goes out to Judy and your three girls, and the rest of your family. I will never ever forget your intelligence, sense of humour, fairness, and sense of the absurd that from the time you were a young man at Salisbury School made you stand out from all of the others. My heart has a hole in it, and no one on earth will ever fill your place. I grieve for your girls and Judith, along with your sisters and their families, and the zillions of friends who loved you. You changed all of our lives in an amazing way, and the world will be so much more hollow and empty without you. Love, Ellen
Peter Menefee
December 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Victoria Lane
December 30, 2007
From your friends and neighbors The Lanes we send you love and support through these dark, dark hours. Adam, Victoria, and James
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