Ernest Biggs passed away peacefully Nov. 17, 2013 in his home with family members at his side.
Ernie was born Feb. 10, 1917 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, to Charles Wylie Biggs and Caroline Harriet (George) Biggs. He was the second of three sons; his older brother Ray and younger brother Charles predeceased him.
The family moved to Victoria, B.C., then Cleveland, Ohio, before settling in Seattle in 1932.
Ernie attended Queen Anne High School and graduated in 1934. He became a U.S. citizen in November 1936.
In 1940 he married Ann Louise Walden. They had six children: Linda (David) Swolgaard; David (Kathy) Biggs; Carol (Hal) Kummerow; Robin (Don) Gann; Peter (Leanne) Biggs; and Bryan Biggs. Ernie was predeceased by his wife and Bryan Biggs. His survivors include 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Ann and Ernie moved the family from Seattle to South Beach on Bainbridge Island in 1953. Before relocating to Carmel, California, in 1961 for a job with AAA, Ernie was twice elected to the Bainbridge Island School Board. He worked as a contractor and as a milkman for Darigold. He also drove a school bus. He had a wonderful baritone voice that earned him the nickname, The Singing Driver.
Ernie co-founded the Bainbridge Foundation in 1958. The organization is better known now as One Call for All, the motto he originated.
He and Ann were charter participants in the Bainbridge Light Opera Association with roles in “Naughty Marietta,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” and other early productions.
When the Biggs family returned to Bainbridge in 1971, Ernie built more spec homes and earned his real estate credentials. He worked for Henry Broderick with K.L. Johansson and later Perlatti Real Estate until his retirement.
With his building expertise he helped the crew turn Eagle Harbor Congregational Church 90 degrees to face Winslow Way instead of Madison Avenue.
His last stage appearance was as the villain in Phoebe Smith’s “Calamity at Four Corners” at Bainbridge Performing Arts.
Many will remember his Little League coaching as well as Boy Scout leadership.
All who knew him will remember his vanilla pipe smoke, his singing voice, his wonderful sense of humor and sharp intellect,
A private family celebration of his life will be held this summer. Donations in his name can be made to One Call for All.
