Timothy James Bigelow

Timothy James Bigelow, 61, a life-long resident of Olympia, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2006. Tim was a beloved husband and brother, favorite uncle and masterful musician. He was the loved, dedicated, and creative Youth Director for the First United Methodist Church for twenty years. He lived his life with passion and with devotion to his God, his family, his church and his friends. Especially dear to Tim was his work with young people. He taught by example and many of his "kids" are devout members of the community as well as accomplished musicians. He was well loved and touched the lives of many people with his grace and humor. Tim was a dean for the Methodist Church camp at Ocean Park for 11 summers and introduced many youths to the Lord. He was instrumental in initiating numerous mission trips to build houses in Mexico with the Methodist youth group. His love of his God and his music made him music director of regional Methodist church events and his beautiful voice and guitar accompaniment graced countless weddings and funerals. His sense of humor and indomitable spirit helped him to overcome incredible obstacles and physical challenges. He loved running and backpacking in the mountains but his special love was traveling and spending time with his wife, Deb. Tim's passing was preceded in 2005 by his parents, Daniel and Mary Ann Bigelow. Tim is survived by his wife, Debra; three brothers and their wives, George and Pam, John and Suzanne, David and Betty; and by his nephews and nieces. A memorial and celebration of Tim's life will be held on Sunday, May 7, at the First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way, Olympia, Washington, at 4:00 PM. A reception will follow the service. The family suggests that donations in Tim's memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Northwest Kidney Foundation, PO Box 3035, Seattle, Washington, 98114.