The Valley East community is mourning the loss of businessman Mike Biglow after he was killed while riding his motorcycle on Radar Road on July 3.
Greater Sudbury Police said a 62-year-old man died after his motorcycle left the roadway and he was ejected from the vehicle. The incident happened at about 2:30 p.m.
He was taken to hospital by paramedics, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Ward 5 Coun. Robert Kirwan confirmed on his Valley East Facebook page that the man who died in the crash was Mike Biglow, former owner of J.B. Jewellers, and spoke about their friendship.
“I have known Mike Biglow for as long as I have lived in Valley East,” Kirwan wrote in his post. “We have been involved in a lot of community activities and events, and I wrote a lot of stories about Mike in the Valley Vision when I was writing for that publication.
“I worked every day with Mike for almost five years as I managed the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre with Val Mazzuca. I can say without a doubt that Mike Biglow was a person who truly made a difference in the community and who touched each of his customers. He treated his customers as if they were family. This is a tremendous loss for Mike’s family and friends. It is also a tremendous loss for the community of Valley East.”
Many Valley East residents also expressed their sorrow and sympathy on the post:
“So incredibly sad. The Valley has lost a truly special member,” said Danielle Bergh Bruno.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Nathalie Bouffard. “I’m honoured to say that I had the opportunity to work with Mike with the process of selling JB Jewellers. It breaks my heart that we won’t be able to have our little chats. My deepest condolences to his dear wife and family. Sending you all strength and courage during this difficult time.”
Following is Biglow's obituary:
In Loving Memory of Michael “Mike” Percy Biglow 62 years
It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing on July 3rd, 2018 of our beloved Mike.
He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years Marilyn Biglow (nee Castonguay) and his son Drew Biglow, and step children Melissa (Andrew Vaillancourt) & Brent Bertrand.
Cherished son of Howard Biglow (predeceased) (Pierette) and Lucille Beauchamp (John Martin) (Yves Beauchamp predeceased) & son-in-law of William Castonguay (Lucie) and Joan Pelky (predeceased).
Dear brother of Joanne Landry (Bob Becket), Peggy Biglow (Chris Darby) and Tommy (Cindy) and brother-in-law of Cindy Castonguay (Kevin), Ron Castonguay (Louise), Gerry Castonguay, Marlene & Joey Pepin.
He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews; Natalie Lafrance (Darryl), Bobby Landry (Julie), Meghan & Sarah Woolcock (Keith) and Jamie (Pat) & Jordyn Biglow and great nieces and nephews Brayden, Nolan, Robert and Camille. He will also be sadly missed by his many family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Mike was a true Valley guy. He worked, lived and supported and believed in his home town. He was the co-owner and operated JB Jewellers for over 30 years. Mike loved the family cottage at Birch Island where he enjoyed jokes and storytelling, boating, fishing, playing guitar and singing Stompin Tom Connors songs. He looked forward to the annual guys “Snowmobile Safari.” He loved his Harley and spent many enjoyable rides with Marilyn and friends.
Over the years, many clubs, schools and sports organizations benefited from Mike’s generous support; Valley East Days, Breast Cancer, Crime Stoppers and The Sudbury Food Bank to name a few. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly on scene.
A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, July 7 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Jacques Hall (46 Cote Blvd., Hanmer). Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium.
Donations to the Sudbury Food Bank or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to Sudbury Park Lawn Cremation Services.
