Bruce Bigford

Bruce R. Bigford, age 85 years of Niles, Michigan died at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan on Friday, July 8, 2016.

He was born on January 13, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan to Harold and Catherine (Watkins) Bigford and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was proud of graduating from the former South High School (now the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center) from which President Gerald Ford graduated. Bruce cherished the 30/30 Club blanket presented to accomplished athletes by President Ford. Breaking with the family tradition of attending Michigan State University, he attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin on an athletic grant. He played basketball, but excelled at football as a passing fullback, and was elected a Division III Little All American in 1952.

Following his graduation, he began a forty-year career in the fine paper industry, beginning with the Neenah (Wisconsin) Paper Company. When purchased by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, he moved to the Chicago area where he spent the next three years. In 1959 Bruce accepted a position with the family-owned French Paper Company in Niles, Michigan. He retired as President from French Paper in 1996. He was witness to many changes in the paper industry, as most smaller companies were taken-over by conglomerates, or just failed. French Paper – during his tenure – was at the forefront of the launch of recycled paper.

Bruce’s hobbies included fishing, golf, hunting, skiing and reading newspapers. He remained to his final day an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers, and the MSU Spartans; and if those teams weren’t planning, then he was a fan of the underdog of any sport. He is fondly remembered as the coach of Westside Elementary School basketball teams and the FOP Yankees. He was a long-time member of the Orchard Hills Country Club, where he carded both of this holes-in-one. He served on the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, was a volunteer and supporter of Pet Refuge, and a lifetime Friend of the Niles District Library.

On June 24, 1955 in Appleton, Wisconsin he married the former Ila Radtke with whom he celebrated last month the remarkable Sixty-first anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Ila Bigford and their sons, Peter (& Ann) Bigford of Shanty Creek, Michigan and Andrew (& Angie) Bigford of Boulder, Colorado; grandsons, Brian Bigford, Lucas Bigford, and Max Bigford; Bruce’s sister, Mary (& David) Coats of Fruitport, Michigan, and brother-in-law, Don Cole; Ila’s sister, Judy Grist; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by the family cat, Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, John and his wife, Helen; and a sister, Betty Cole.

Bruce’s remains were accepted by the Michigan State University Willed Body program.

The family of Bruce Bigford will host a Celebration of his Life from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Orchard Hills Country Club.

Contributions in memory of Bruce may be made to the Niles District Library, 620 East Main Street, Niles, MI 49120; or to the Pet Refuge, 4626 South Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614; or to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.