WILLIAM DEL BIGIO

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WILLIAM DEL BIGIO William Del Bigio passed away peacefully in the warmth and comfort of his home on October 29, at 95 years of age. He leaves a legacy of energy, determination, care, friendship and gratitude for such a full life. Remaining to forever cherish him are his devoted wife Violet of 51 years; daughter Linda (Gerry) Sutter and son Kenneth (Teresa) as well as grandchildren, Suzanne, Jennelle and Tyler Sutter, Ian and Shannon Del Bigio; and sister Vi Sykes. He was predeceased by his parents Giulio and Maria; brothers, Michael, Harry and Philip and sisters, Georgina and Teresa. Born in 1904, Bill journeyed through an exciting century of history, with memories and stories from all parts of his beloved city of Winnipeg. As a youth, he was a man of adventure. His mechanical gifts led him from constructing and driving a race car to the purchasing of an airplane in 1927. He returned from Kansas City with his silver-winged American Eagle, and landed in Winnipeg on a field under construction and still being leveled by a team of horses pulling a scraper. This field is now the location of the Winnipeg International Airport. In 1930, Bill joined the Manitoba Government, Department of Public Works. Hard work and dedication led him to become supervisor of maintenance and management of the provincial automotive fleet. This service became a 40 year commitment. Bill was a member of Beaver Lodge #139, Prince of Wales Chapter, Universal Craftsmen Council of Engineers, Granite Curling Club, The OX5 Aviation Pioneers, and a pioneer member of the Western Canada Aviation Museum. In 1994 he was honoured by the Governor-General of Canada for his contribution to early aviation. Convinced of the merits of fresh fruit and vegetables, Bill was also an avid Lindsay Street gardener for 30 years. He had many happy memories of 47 years in his immaculately kept home on Queenston Street, which only recently was passed on to a new owner. Special thanks for the compassionate care provided by Dr. D. Bird, Diane, his assistant, and Dr. Geddes and the pacemaker clinic. Thank you also to the Wellington residence home care providers, especially Frieda and Mai Ling. A memorial service in celebration of Bills life will be held at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, 255 Oak St., on Tuesday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. It was Bills wish to be cremated. A family interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 301 - 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, Man., or to the Western Canada Aviation Museum, 958 Ferry Rd., Winnipeg, Man. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 1999