On Aug. 2, record-breaking rain suddenly gave way to a clear afternoon sky. Fittingly, these were the last moments on earth for Louis Burtran Bigler III, who brought calm to his friends and family throughout his life.
Born in the Salt Lake area, Lou and his family moved to a farm in West Jordan. He was the youngest and seldom came out on top over his cunning brother Richard. One day, Richard paid Lou with firecrackers in exchange for milking the cows. When the deal was done, Lou bolted and yelled over his shoulder “I already milked the cows.”
While juggling farm duties, he attended the University of Utah, donning his Utes T-shirt the day of his passing. After graduating, he tried accounting but concluded he would do anything but accounting - he would even sell insurance. A career was born.
Early on, Lou realized the importance of this seemingly dry job after persuading a neighbor to sign up for a policy. The neighbor unexpectedly died soon after, and the coverage allowed his spouse to keep their home, and his children went on for advanced degrees.
Lou started his insurance agency, Lou Bigler and Associates, and never retired. He woke up every morning thinking about selling insurance. He was on the Million Dollar Round Table, a professional distinction earned yearly, for 43 years.
His success took him to insurance conventions in far-off places – marrying his love for work with his love for travel. In Germany, he rollerbladed around the Berlin Wall. In Japan, he slurped sea cucumbers while towering over the locals. Beside him during his adventures was his wife Judy
Grant Bigler.
Despite rising to the top of his profession, he saw past money and status, and eschewed judgments. He simply enjoyed people for who they were. A cancer diagnosis didn’t quell his interest and spirit, even during his final days.
Lou fostered goodwill as a Salt Shaker, part of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and served as lead shaker in the eighties. He was president of University Club and was active with the MS Society and United Way. His decades-spanning community work echoed that of his father, Louis Burtran Bigler II, who built the first modern dairy in Jericho, Jordan for the benefit of an orphanage. Later, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered nearby, and his dad facilitated access for Utah leaders.
His mother, Hazel Anderson Bigler, was a force of nature who raised gifted entrepreneurs. Lou had her stature, calm demeanor and ability to evoke diplomacy and hospitality in any situation.
Lou came from a family of rugged, undaunted pioneers, who founded Salt Lake and San Diego. Henry Bigler discovered gold while laboring at Sutter’s Mill. Lou didn’t have to go far from his Park City home to discover the treasures of wildlife – birds, bunnies, foxes, and a moose he named Molly, who relied on him for food during harsh winters.
Lou and his former wife, Elizabeth, had four children: Sharrie, Nannette, Suzanne, and John. Lou has three stepchildren with Judy: Annette, Alana and Ryan. They have a combination of seven children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Nan, his parents, and four siblings: Louise, AnnaGae, David and Richard.
Lou will rest alongside his parents at Larkin Sunset Lawn Foothill under the large, mid-lawn ash tree.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Corey Payne, Rey Padin, and Ashby Hospice, as well as the loving staff and his incredible friends at The Ridge Foothill. (We salute you, Table 11.)
In lieu of flowers, Lou would want you to invest in life insurance.
Judy, we truly lost an industry giant. Lou was such a mentoring influence for me. His positive, calm demeanor was a virtue few possessed. I join with many others in offering sincere condolences to you and your family. John
Our many good thoughts are heading to the extended family of Lou Bigler! We look forward to joining you and his many friends and family for his celebration of life (party!) sometime down the road.
We could fill many pages about our love for, and memories of, Lou. We had the pleasure of enjoying life with Lou and Judy (the Salt Shakers) since the early 1980s. Many trips, parties and friendships resulted from our gatherings over these many years. We were clients of Lou, and his kindness extended to us in that role.
Our love to all -- Gary & Paulette Birdsall
Lou was a great friend and will be missed by all.
Deepest condolences to Lou's family ♥
Lou was a very dear and caring uncle to me and a loving brother to my late mother, whom he called 'my protector.'
He was wonderful at telling family histories and he had amazing memory recall; my son, in particular, loved listening to his stories about his early life.
He was sharp and insightful 'until the end' - a very astute and remarkable man.
My son Cameron, and I, will both miss him very much. ♥
Michelle Melroy Alnawafleh
Judy,
My sincere condolences. Lou had such a great way of putting a person at ease. I loved my visits to his office and our occasional breakfasts or business lunches together. It was always a joy to work with him and he'll be missed.
My wife and I are sorry for your loss. Remembering uncle Burt and aunt Hazel. Spent many days at the Farm, it was great! Uncle Burt told me and my wife to be in a visit that we would live in West Joran. Cindy and I have lived in west Jordan for over 40 years. Again, very fond memories.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with Lou, I appreciated his kindness & warm spirit. Sending my love & prayers for Lou & his family.
May his sould rest in peace. Prayers with his family.
Lou was a member of our organization (FFR) since 2017 and was always a ray of sunshine when attending our meetings and interacting with our team. You could tell he enjoyed this "hobby" of selling life insurance when most would be thinking about retirement and taking it easy. I am so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories provide your family comfort.
One would be hard pressed to find a greater example of excellence and integrity than what this marvelous man exhibited. Lou, you will be greatly missed by all of us that were fortunate to have had our lives intersect with yours. Peace be the journey.
It's been many years since I last connected with Lou. He was one the founding members of a life insurance producer study group that I was a member of at First Financial Resources. I was one of the "young" guys who was getting distracted by anything new or shiny. Lou was the first to remind us of the real reason of what life insurance was for. I remember a man who was beyond classy and wore his mission on his sleeve. What a wonderful legacy to leave. My deepest condolences to his family.
Lou did have a calming effect on his friends, as I was one of them for over 25 years! And yes, he never gave up the fight to insure his friends against life’s “possibles”.
I admired his strength, both physical & mental, and will consider him one of my cherished friends forever more. He loved life, he loved connecting with people of all walks, and he had a keen brain for problem-solving. As he struggled with his illness, he refused to admit weakness, refused to give up, and in, my eyes, that kept him going longer as he was still that brave farm boy!❤️
Marilynn and I were saddened to hear of the death of Lou Bigler. He was not only a friend but a business associate for many years. We both began in the insurance industry about the same time and I can attest that there was no one better or more concerned about the financial welfare of others than Lou. He was smart, knowledgable, honest and sincere and blessed the lives of many people. His success and longevity in a tough business speaks for itself. Lou was a man of trust, decency, personality and humility and the best insurance and financial consultant I have ever known. Thank you Lou, for the many memories. We will never forget your contribution to our lives.
I was saddened to read the obit of a fellow business associate as well as a great friend. I send my sincere best condolences to Judy & all the family. Kitty & I now live. In Cedar City.
I was privileged to be business partners with Lou and Judy for many years. Lou was a consummate professional and always very kind. He remains the named broker on a handful of policies I bought for my children about 25 years ago....and was recently privileged to take a call from Lou suggesting I do something with the cash value that had accrued on the $25/month payments taken out of my bank account monthly over that 25 years. I was amazed at how vibrant he still was and was grateful for his ever-present wit and kind way. My most sincere condolences to the family of this wonderful man. I'll now dutifully go invest in life insurance.
Lou was a lovely man and neighbor. Growing up I helped take their trash up and we enjoyed seeing both Judy and Lou out on walks. I will always appreciate the kindness he showed and am grateful I was able to help him and Judy out when necessary. May he rest peacefully.
