Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Jay Allan "Garfield" Bigelow
1950 - 2020
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Lana MacInnes posted a condolence
Saturday, November 28, 2020
I am very sad to learn of Jay's passing. I worked with Jay on the Warsaw Embassy several years ago, he was a lovely man and an excellent architect. Sincere condolences to his family.
Lana MacInnes
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IC Gillies posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
He was a very good boss and great to work for, but much more than that, I will never forget Jay’s kindness and his empathy. For a few years, I was going through a frankly terrible time with an aging family member who had a devastating mental health issue. This caused me to miss work once in awhile. We actually never discussed it, but around that time he invited me to play hockey with his friends and he was just a heck of a great guy, it was a lot of fun. I didn’t appreciate how thoughtful that invitation was at the time, but I think I had a better understanding later. And, once in awhile, he had a very effective wrist shot.
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Lucy Platt posted a condolence
Monday, August 24, 2020
Dear Jesse,
I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts as you remember and honor your Dad. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
warm regards
Lucy
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Lee-Ann Ahlstrom lit a candle
Friday, August 21, 2020
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A poem for you as you grieve your loss.
Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
Christina Rossetti
Thinking of your family and sending love filled blessings.
My sincerest condolences.
Lee-Ann
(Minister, NUC)
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Daniel Beiles posted a condolence
Friday, August 21, 2020
I have many fond memories of Jay from my childhood, playing in around the house of 317 Keewatin Avenue
with my good friend Jesse. I also recall numerous little league baseball games attended with Jay as friend to Jesse. Playing in the Bigelow’s very deep backyard, I remember the spirit of adventure that he encouraged as we climbEd trees or perhaps even helped build a little treehouse and ate rhubarb dipped in sugar (which my parents never would’ve allowed!) on theor back deck. I remember eating goopy skippy brand peanut butter and strawberry jelly (always “jelly”) sandwiches on fluffy white bread (no ingredients therein were whatsoever allowed through my front door growing up, so also a treat), and of course the many, many freezies stored in basement chest freezer next to Jay’s drafting tables. I remember a house filled with warmly nostalgic photos, tools, and keepsakes for which he had a story- or several for each. And most of all, I remember his keen and genuine interest in my life and interests, both as a boy and later in my early career as a wine importer, his sense of humour and seriousness about most things. He was a kind and sweet man.
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Chris Whittaker posted a condolence
Friday, August 21, 2020
To Susan, Jesse and family - I have worked with Jesse for a long time. My condolences to your community.
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Glenda Collings lit a candle
Friday, August 21, 2020
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Dear Sue, Melissa and Jesse,
My memories of Jay are of an incredibly artistic soul with such diverse interests and passions that gave him great joy. I first met him (and you) at Jesse's 5th birthday in your backyard and remember him describing the house addition to me. I'm so glad he was able to achieve his dream of designing your new home. It truly is a tribute to his art. His kindness to me, Erin and Alex will always be held as special. My sincere condolences to you all. Glenda
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Carl Blanchaer posted a condolence
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Susan, Jesse, and Melissa,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I want to share some of my thoughts and memories of Jay.
I met Jay when I joined WZMH (Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden at that time) in 1981. We sat at our drafting boards across the aisle from each other in the studio at 99 Yorkville. Soon after, a hint of our future advancements in the firm was how we were quickly promoted to prestigious locations in the studio that had not only pinup and layout space on the sides but behind us as well! We followed each other in lock step for over 30 years through the highs and lows of the office until his illness took him away. After becoming partners in the firm in 1988, our trajectory culminated in 2005 as we, together with Brian Andrew, took on the role of managing the firm through one of its most successful periods. The three of us enjoyed an incredibly collegial relationship during that time. We were of one mind in running the firm and rarely disagreed on decisions about its strategic direction. Jay had a good head for business and made a huge contribution to the financial success of the firm.
He was, however, interested in much more than the business of architecture; he wanted to do good design and reinforce the legacy of the firm’s design reputation. I worked with Jay on some of the most challenging and rewarding projects that I was involved with in the office including the Bay Adelaide Centre,Toronto, and the Nova Scotia Power Headquarters, Halifax (both winners of Ontario Association of Architects Awards of Excellence), and the Edward Drake Building (CSEC) in Ottawa. Working on these projects, Jay was very supportive, and I believe his ability to work as a team player contributed greatly to the design excellence of these projects. He was a pleasure to work with. His strength of conviction about the value of architecture allowed him to stand fast when challenged by clients about design decisions.
For Jay architecture was as much about people as it was about buildings. In his career Jay made many friends - clients, consultants, contractors, fellow partners and staff. He was sincerely interested in other people. He empathized with their challenges and supported their successes. He was often selfless in making sure to give credit to others for their accomplishments, many of which he had had a hand in creating. He engaged all of us with his sense of humour. He often spoke of his life away from the office: his weekly hockey games, his yearly trips with close friends to a new golfing location. Behind his desk he proudly displayed a large photo of the course (that was all sand!) they played in Oagadougou, Burkina Faso. He was proud of his friend’s French award winning whiskey (Baron Otard?), and frustrated that it couldn’t be called whiskey because it wasn’t from Scotland. He always spoke with fondness, love, and respect for his life partner,soulmate, and wife,Susan and with love for Jesse and Melissa.
Jay was a good person. It was a privilege to spend so much of my working life alongside him. I miss him greatly.
Carl Blanchaer
Brenda Millar
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Sean Pigott posted a condolence
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Dear Beane, I was so sad to hear of Gar's passing. I can only hope that he did not suffer any pain during these last several years.
Gar was a profoundly admirable and inspiring person in every sense. I shall miss him with all of my heart.
Deepest condolences,
Sean Pigott
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Klaus Gloge posted a condolence
Thursday, August 20, 2020
My deepest condolences go out to to Susan & the family on the loss of here husband Jay. Worked with him on multiple successful projects over the years. He was already dearly missed in the construction industry. Klaus Gloge - PCL Constructors.
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bill bartle posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Jesse and family: so sorry to hear of death of your dad/husband. Our remembrances of Jay go back to North Toronto hockey and his quiet dedication to helping to coach and organize the team, actions that the boys certainly benefited from. Jesse, we know from seeing you a few years ago that last many years were not kind to your dad and your family. I hope you can reflect on the good memories that Jay left you with
Bill, Ginny, and Aaron Bartle
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Ann Lenchak posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
I worked with Jay at WZMH many years ago but I haven't forgotten his sweet nature and desire to see the humorous side of life. A light has just gone out. My deep condolences to his family.
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Stuart Mitchell posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Susan,
I met you at Kenton years ago and learned of the struggle your family was enduring.
I send my condolences.
Stuart Mitchell
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Roger Lichtman posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
So sorry to hear of this. Jay was truly one of the good guys. As the notice stated he always made working together fun and was always a pleasure to be with. Melissa, despite the fact that we have never met, Jesse and Susan, please accept my deepest condolences. I lost my dad to the same horrible disease years ago and it was a relief when the body finally expired long after the person died. I hope that you can embrace solace knowing that he is finally at peace. You are in my thoughts.
Roger Lichtman
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Jeremy @ sturgessarchitecture.com posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Dear Bean.
So many wonderful memories of our times together on Davisville. I was lucky to see Gar again in Barcelona at the World Architecture Festival. Look us up if you are ever in Victoria. Lesley Beale and Jeremy Sturgess.
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Deborah Petit lit a candle
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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Our most heartfelt condolences to Susan, Melissa, Jesse, and the whole family. You are in our hearts.
With deepest sympathy,
Deborah and Eric Petit
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The family of Jay Allan Bigelow uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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Donna Mailer posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, August 17, 2020
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Thinking of you and hoping you will have only wonderful memories of your time together. Sincerely, Donna Mailer (Doug's Aunt) and Susan & Barb Mailer (cousins)
