TIMOTHY BIGELOW
Timothy Lawson Bigelow of Petoskey, died September 18, 2025 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born in New York City, February 25, 1939, Tim was educated at The Columbus Academy in Ohio, Washington and Lee University (W&L) in Virginia, and received a Master of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University.
Childhood summers spent at his grandparents’ family compound on Burt Lake (Columbus Beach) instilled a love for the wonder and the waters of Northern Michigan.
After an illustrious and award-winning career in Public Relations for the insurance industry, including Aenta Life and Casualty, Booz Allen & Hamilton and the National Association of Life Underwriters, Tim returned to Michigan full time in the early 1990s.
A fearless ‘early adopter,’ Tim founded Hilltop Technology to further his fascination with new gadgets; he conquered frontiers in digital music, electronic payments and streaming movies. Ever a fan of good grammar, he taught English at North Central Michigan College.
He loved a good book and adored his local library as an ardent volunteer and true friend of the Petoskey District Library. After returning items from their book drop locations, he could be found there searching for the perfect movie, or the latest tips on technology. An avid kayaker, he shared his love of the local waterways with his daughter and grandchildren. On land, he was seen nattily attired in an oxford shirt and khakis, coffee and cellphone in hand, easily addressing any animal in his path.
He is remembered as “having a gift for making every person feel seen and valued, whether through a thoughtful word, courteous gesture or the disarming smile he wore so easily.”
His activities reflected the value of caring for the bounty of the natural world, and the importance of civic engagement. Tim supported Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and the annual Bear Creek Stewardship Day clean-up. He served on Springvale Township’s municipal board and as a member of the Emmet County Jury Commission. He celebrated the community bonds that enriched him, from his grief group family to The Friendship Center staff to his fellow paddlers.
Tim was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Wilson Bigelow, his sister Nancy Bigelow Lewis and his Wheeling, WV brother, Morgan Paull. He is survived by daughters Mercedes Cole Bigelow of Orlando, FL and Amanda Morrison Parker of Sandy Hook, VA (Michael), grandchildren Emma Parker (Norwalk, CT) and Aidan Parker (Blacksburg, VA) and nieces Sarah Preston Turner Richardson and Courtney Lewis Morgan of Oakland, CA. Devoted friends made his last years especially memorable.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the future; interment at Lakeview Cemetery, Harbor Springs. Remembrances suggested to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and The Petoskey District Library.