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Bigelow (“Bigs”) Parker

Long-time Fallbrook resident Bigelow (“Bigs”) Parker passed away peacefully in his own home on Friday, July 8, 2016. This was the same Fallbrook avocado ranch that Bigs and his wife Ruth had called home for nearly 40 years and lovingly rebuilt after its destruction in the 2007 Rice Canyon fire.

Born Nov. 13, 1939, in New Jersey, young Bigs attended Princeton University for three years but always sought a life that involved flying. In his early '20s he joined the Navy, where he received flying instruction and flew troops to Vietnam.

He then moved on to a career with American Airlines, from 1969 until his retirement in 2000. It was in the skies, at 37,000 feet, that Bigs met his wife-to-be Ruth, a young American Airlines stewardess.

Bigs was also a keen sailor and promised to teach Ruth to sail with him to Catalina. She recalls that in one single day she was “on land, sea and air” and knew she’d met the love of her life. They were married on March 9, 1973, and spent four years in Hermosa Beach before investing in their 12-acre Fallbrook grove and settling down to start a family.

As a Fallbrook resident, Bigs was active in many organizations. During the 1980s, he served as president of the Fallbrook Elementary School Board. He was a member of the HAM radio club and president of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He also participated in two Trans Pac races as a crew member for Dr. Pace’s team; once from San Francisco and once from San Diego.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christine and Katie; five grandchildren; his sister Jeanie Griffith, and nieces Shannon Skurja and Kristin Parker.

A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for September 7 at 11 a.m. at Community Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Ruth has requested that donations be made to Silverado Hospice, whose services were so appreciated.

 

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