With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of our much-loved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather at the age of 94. Affectionately known as “Papa” or “The Sargeant” by his caregivers, Garnet passed away surrounded by love at the Bethany Care Center in Cochrane, Alberta on March 29, 2024.
Garnet was born in Pine Hill, Quebec to William and Muriel Bigelow and was the first of seven children. At a young age he started working in a bakery where he learned to bake everything from bread to wedding cakes. His next adventure was sailing the Great Lakes with the Merchant Marine. He then joined the Armed Forces at the age of 19. He was a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and remained in the military for 36 years. While in the Armed Forces, he served in Egypt, Cyprus, and Germany and was stationed to numerous bases in Canada. After finishing his military career, Garnet worked for 4 years at the Drumheller Institution and then several more years at the Bowden Institution before retiring.
Garnet met his wife, Regina, on one of his two postings to Germany where they married and had their first 2 girls- Susan and Hazel. They later returned to Canada where their son, Gary, was born in Chilliwack and their youngest child, Nancy, was born in Edmonton.
In his retirement years Garnet enjoyed outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, fishing, camping, and canoeing. He was a member of the Calgary Canoe Club and built his own canoe at the age of 65 years.
Garnet is survived by his 3 daughters- Susan, Hazel, and Nancy; his 5 grandchildren- Jamie, Jordie, Jeremy, Jennifer, and Amanda; and 2 great-grandchildren- Evangeline and Viggo.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Bethany Care Center in Cochrane for all the kindness and love shown to Garnet. In keeping with his wishes, no formal service will be held. He will be returned to the beautiful forests he so enjoyed.
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