Memories & Celebrations: A Celebration of Life

James Everett Biggs

February 25 1947 - September 4 2021

Jamie was born in Guelph Ontario to his parents Everett and Irene Biggs, he was also the older brother to Stephen Biggs, who all predeceased him.

 

As a young boy Jamie spent his time playing football and ice hockey and spent his summers working on his family’s Dairy Farm in Pembrooke. His father owned a small aircraft to assist with shipments, inspiring Jamie to sign up to the Brampton Flying Club, gaining his flying licence at the young age of 16. He followed his hearts passion and took to the skies, creating a 51 year flying legacy. His proudest adventure was The North Pole Polar Bridge Expedition in 1988. Jamie loved his career, enjoyed meeting new friends and colleagues and passing on his knowledge and getting to explore the beautiful Canadian landscape and international skies. 

 

Sioux Lookout has always been a special place for Jamie. The earth and air are overfilling with joyous memories, on the backdrop of the most breath-taking sunsets at his doorstep. He was an adventure seeker and would scuba dive beneath the frozen lake on New Year’s Eve, he loved navigating and exploring new channels and tackling fast rapids on his boat. He married here and also celebrated the marriage of his youngest daughter Liliana to Christopher amongst family and friends. He shared many summers filled with fun and laughter with both his daughters and nephew, always providing a shoulder to lean on, a friend to count on, and supporting their curiosity for life. He embraced his role of becoming ‘grumpy grandpa’ enjoying endless kisses, cuddles and laughter with his granddaughter Zara. He also met some of his dearest and closets friends here and was always ready to fire up the barbeque and enjoy each other’s company.

 

Jamie was sadly diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in 2019. He showed tremendous bravery throughout and remained strong and positive. He tolerated many chemotherapy sessions with grace and ease and was never without a smile. He passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences ICU with his family by his side on the 4th of September. 

 

Jamie will be missed by his daughters Liliana Biggs-Farrell and Simone Biggs-Farrell and their partners Christopher Aitken and Rupert Whitehead, granddaughter Zara Whitehead and wife Terri Farrell. He will also be missed by his growing family and friends across Canada, United Kingdom and Europe.

 

Jamie was a kind, gentle, happy soul, who was not afraid to be himself. He loved his family, his life and his home, and he lived a fulfilled life. His family will forever remember his laughter, playfulness and love and are so proud of his life’s journey and achievements.

 

Dad, Grandpa, Friend, Neighbour, Teacher, you live on in our happy memories, content on your boat, blues playing in the distance.  We love and miss you forever.

 

We leave you with a quote Jamie used to say.

 

‘Black Air has no lift -extra fuel has no weight’ -Jamie Biggs

 

At Jamie’s request, no funeral will be held. His family will embark on a small family celebration of life at a later date.