ROBERT C. BIGRIGG

BIGRIGG ROBERT C. BIGRIGG Renaissance Man Robert C. Bigrigg, 79, retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, died peacefully the evening of April 9, 2015, from complications related to COPD. Most fighter pilots say they never expect to live very long lives. Bob was the exception. Not only did he live a long life, he lived a rich and productive one. Bob was a true renaissance man. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Grace Curran Bigrigg and Paul Bigrigg, a retired World War II pilot, and grew up in California farm country teaching riding tricks to his horse, tending fruit orchards, and camping with his dog and horse. He tried his hand at rodeo but admitted that trying to ride a 2,000 pound angry bull wasn't that much fun. He was a talented trumpet player and was offered a chance to tour with a dance band, but his parents didn't allow it for fear he wouldn't finish high school. His father taught him to fly at a young age, and he took private flying lessons in exchange for servicing planes at a small field outside of Fresno. When he received his pilot's license before he was old enough to drive, he was one of the youngest pilots in California. After graduating from Beaumont Union High School in Beaumont, California, he helped pay for his first couple of semesters at Fresno State College by playing jazz trumpet. He never stopped fighting for his country. At 24, he joined the Air Force as an officer through a Cadet program in 1959 that waived the requirements for a college degree if the candidate held a pilot's license; he separated in 1984. Bob survived three tours in Vietnam, including multiple missions through the dreaded "Red River Valley" and was awarded an Honorary Military Pilot Diploma from the Republic of Viet Nam. Bob's job during the Vietnam War was to play tag with anti-aircraft defenses. As a Wild Weasel, he and his navigator taunted enemy anti-aircraft defenses into firing upon their F-105 Thunderchief and giving away their position, which allowed Bob, his navigator, and the rest of their squadron to destroy the entrenched defenses. He was honored by an invitation to join the Air Force Thunderbirds. For his service, Bob earned numerous citations and medals, including a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross, all of which he modestly set aside as "just doing my job." He never stopped learning. While serving his country, he also earned his BA in management from Golden Gate University; after retiring, he earned an MBA from Webster University. He consistently attended seminars and conferences, the knowledge from which he shared with those around him. And he kept current with technology and computers, starting in the 80s when he made a deal with the owner of an Albuquerque computer business: Bob would take charge of the front office if the owner would teach him to build and repair computers. He became a do-it-yourself financial investment guru, and he couldn't be found without at least a couple of books in his backpack. He never stopped giving. After Bob retired from the Air Force in 1984 and became, as he put it, a "dependent," he donated money and much of his "spare" time to good causes. Most recently, he served several years on the Seneca Ridge Homeowner's Association. He donated time and money to Habitat for Humanity; he took books and meals to people who couldn't leave their homes. He served several leadership roles in Investment Clubs, he taught finance and computer classes, and he volunteered for numerous political campaigns. He consistently donated to women's shelters. He never stopped loving. Bob is survived by his "bride" of 34 years, Susan Durham, Ph.D. and retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Bob and Susan met 38 years ago on a tarmac in Sumter, SC, and had Bob stayed in the service, their assignments would have required living apart, something neither of them wanted. Bob is survived by two brothers, George Weir (Leta), Ron Weir (Nancy), and a sister, Chris Weir (Christi) and three of the four children from marriage with his high school sweetheart, Gayle Cullins: Karla Bigrigg Norsworthy, Paul Bigrigg, and Carin Bigrigg (Robert Hejl); grandchildren: Jessica Kranig, Shawn Bigrigg, Erinn Bigrigg, Brandon Pierce, Danielle Fitzgerald, Kayla Hughes, Casandra Bigrigg; great grandchildren: Hannah Wallace, Brooke Bigrigg, Aryah Pierce. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen Fitzgerald, and both parents. He never stopped. He loved books, nature, and animals and was a constant fixture in his Sterling, VA neighborhood, first walking the black Labrador, Marlowe, and most recently, the retired racing greyhound, Max. Bob loved his family, his friends, and his country. He felt that defending his country meant defending his loved ones, and he was that rarest of commodities-a true patriot who walked the talk. Only death was able to stop him, and the world is a little smaller with his passing. A viewing will be held April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon and April 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Herndon, where services will be held at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a military honor ceremony. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to American Lung Association, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or Wounded Warriors. Information and condolences at: www.adamsgreen.com