Lin Bigelow, 89, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)

Lt. Col. (Ret) Arthur Lindley “Lin” Bigelow, beloved husband of 65 years to Mary Lou (nee Donlan). Father to Jeff (Gina), Mark (Mary), the late Robert, the late Brian (Eileen), and the late Patrick (Donna). Grandfather to Marie (Jack), Casey (Jim), Karen, Mary Grace, Savannah, Emily, Ryan, and Isabella. Great Grandfather to Declan and Owen.
A memorial service to be held on Sunday July 31, 2016 11am at Rydal Park Auditorium 1515 The Fairway Jenkintown, PA 19046. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery in VA (TBD).

Following Naval service in WWII, he attended Temple University before re-entering active duty in 1949 to become a United States Air Force Pilot. During his subsequent military career, he served in the US, Europe, and the Far East. A command pilot with over 9,000 hours of flying experience, he completed combat flying tours in both Korea and Vietnam. He retired in the grade of Lt. Colonel in March of 1970.

Upon retirement he returned to his childhood home of Abington, PA where he owned and operated a successful personnel service for 13 years. He then served as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Montgomery County for 15 years, where he was instrumental in the development of a comprehensive evacuation plan for the population living within 10 miles of the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant.

He was a charter member and former officer of the Willow Grove chapter of the Retired Officers Association, and a named member for life of the Daedalians, one of the oldest military flying organizations in the world, and a life member of the Air Force Association.

Involved in both business and community activities, he had served as President of the Fort Washington Management Association, Assistant Coach of Abington Raiders Football teams, Vice Chairman of the Abington Twp / Rockledge Borough Republican Organization, and as a fundraiser for several charitable organizations, including 10 years as Hospitality Chairman for the NFL Alumni Celebrity Dinner and Golf Classic for the benefit of Special Olympics. Active in local government, he also served as Chairman of Abington Twp Zoning Hearing Board.

Known for his wit and charm, Lin always had a smile and compliment for everyone. To his family, he was the one in charge who taught them how to be a leader. He was the one who knew everything and everyone seemed to know Lin Bigelow. He was a captivating storyteller, who lived many lives in his 89 years. His devotion to family and friends set an example for generations.