In Memoriam
David S. Bigelow
June 10, 2000
Many of you knew Dave, and some knew of his year-long battle with lymphatic leukemia. At age 50, he succumbed to that struggle on Saturday evening, June 10, 2000. Dave joined Larimer County Search and Rescue in 1979, and was most recently its Field Coordinator, responsible for all aspects related to field readiness of the Team. Because of his outstanding commitment to LCSAR over these years, Dave was inducted as a Life Member in 1993, and was named 1999 Team Member of the Year. He was very active in ASTM, guiding the development of many of the SAR-related standards that have been adopted to date. In addition, he was tireless in his support of the SAR dog community, giving classes at NASAR conferences and other venues, to teach search managers how to effectively deploy dog resources.
An alumnus of Colorado State University, Dave graduated in 1972 with a degree in Animal Science -- maybe that's why he worked so well within the SAR dog community! He worked for CSU as a scientific researcher in the Natural Resources Ecology Lab, including all it's predecessor variations. Initially, he was a field researcher on the Pawnee Grasslands, then for 20 years with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (popularly known as the acid rain project), and since 1993 as co-PI on the USDA-funded UltraViolet-B Radiation Monitoring Network. He authored and co-authored many scientific papers and journal articles, and has numerous scientific presentations to his credit.
Even with all his SAR and professional accomplishments, Dave was first and foremost a devoted father and family man. In 1971, Dave married Cynthia, and they have two children, Caroline, 19, and Dennis, 17. On his initial application to LCSAR, Dave states, in answer to the question regarding his capability to respond to missions: "I have a family which at times demands my full attention, which also limits me to about a 2 day/night mission." There were times when we wouldn't see Dave for months, as he was spending that time between his work commitments with his family. Even as he was weakened with cancer-fighting drugs, Dave took time a few months ago to accompany Dennis and Cyn on a week-long college interviewing road trip to the mid-west.
It speaks highly of Dave that he was able to balance these three demanding aspects of life, and do it so well that he made notable accomplishments within each of them. Dave embodied the words of this prayer from the Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh:
"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend.
Show respect to all people and bow to none.
When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and
For the joy of living.
Beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
Its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
When it comes your time to die,
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
Though we'll miss you, old friend, your memory lives on.
SAR Dogs Have A Friend in Doggie Heaven
It is with great sadness that I write this. On June 10, 2000 Dave Bigelow with Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR) passed away after a year-long struggle with lymphatic leukemia.
For those who didn't know Dave, Dave was a charter member of LCSAR, SAR Manager, ASTM SAR Dog Chair, and overall a total supporter of SAR dogs and their work. Although not a dog handler himself, Dave's love of the SAR dogs, and his enthusiasm for SAR and any challenge, brought great depth and knowledge to the SAR world concerning dogs. He also provided valuable instruction to those in need of further education regarding SAR and SAR dog resources.
Dave's never quit attitude and zest for life and it's challenges will be greatly missed by all. Please keep his family and SAR family in your thoughts and prayers. Dave's passing leaves a big hole in the SAR community.
