Raymond Patrick Bigelow

With tears of sadness, the family of Raymond Patrick Bigelow are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of their husband, father, grandfather and friend on January 14, 2026, in Wandering River, Alberta, at the age of 74 years.

Raymond was a dedicated farmer and found his greatest joy in working the land and caring for his cows. He was a man of warmth and humor, always ready with a playful joke, with a booming laugh, and a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. His kindness, laughter, and love for his family and farm life will be remembered always.

Raymond’s life will be forever cherished by his loving wife: Ida Bigelow; he was proud and devoted to his children: Cole (Faye) Bigelow, Jody (Trevor) Bigelow; love ran deep for his grandchildren: Gayle (K.C.) Balderama, Hannah (Sterling) Bourassa, L.J. Aquino (his right-hand man); he cherished his great grandchildren: Wyatt, Braxton, Blake, Baby Balderama; brothers: David (Sandy) Bigelow, Melvin (Gail) Bigelow; sisters: Joyce (Ken) Fournier, Elaine (Bruce) Ulch, Donna (Christopher) Waldman; sister-in-law: Leeanne (Gordon) Franson; as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents: William & Donna Bigelow; his parents-in-law: Edward & Edith Leier; brother: George Bigelow, Billy Bigelow.

Raymond wanted a relaxed, come-and-go, send off. The family welcomes you for a time to gather and share memories from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2025, at the Wandering River Seniors Drop-In Centre, 5016 53 Street, Wandering River, Alberta.

A special thank you goes out to the Highway 63 Rescue and to Charlie and Courtney from the Wandering River Fire Department.

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A Farmers Creed

I believe a man’s greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming.

I believe hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person’s character.

I believe that farming, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honourable way a man can spend his days on this earth.

I believe farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways money can’t buy.

I believe my children are learning values that will last a lifetime and can be learned in no other way.

I believe farming provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth and maturity in such a variety of ways.

I believe many of the best things in life are indeed free; the splendour of a sunrise, the rapture of wide-open spaces, the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring.

I believe true happiness comes from watching your crops ripen in the field, your children growing tall in the sun, your whole family feeling the pride that springs from their shared experience.

I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it, an honour that does not come to all men.

I believe my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellow man, and by this standard I fear no judgment.

I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he’s lived.

I believe in farming because it makes all this possible.

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