Raymond G. Biggar ’52

Raymond G. Biggar ’52 died September 30, 2015, in Saco, Maine.

(The following appeared in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Oct. 2 to Oct. 3, 2015):

SACO – Raymond G. Biggar died peacefully and with dignity at home in Saco on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015 after a long illness.

Ray grew up in Saco. A member of the Class of 1948 at Thornton Academy, he was class president his senior year. He graduated in 1952 from Bowdoin College with an A.B. in English, and in 1953 from Harvard University with a Master of Arts in Teaching. He taught at Scituate High School, Scituate, Mass. and Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Mass., before entering the doctoral program in English at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1961. He taught Medieval English literature, the History of the English Language, and English as a Second Language for Foreign Students in the English Department at Boston College for over 40 years, retiring in 2000. In 2011, he moved to Saco to an independent living cottage at Atlantic Heights. He enjoyed the Atlantic Heights Cottage Residents Community, especially Monday morning Men’s Discussion Group.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 15 years, Cynthia Bland-Biggar, who currently serves as Pastor of the Standish Congregational Church, UCC in Standish; by sons Robert Biggar (Angela) of Setauket, NY and James Biggar (Stephanie Boutin) of Arlington, Mass.; his grandchildren Andrew, Jeremy, Talia and Emily Biggar; three stepchildren from his first marriage, Michael Herz (Jean Roiphe), Jonathan Herz (Carolyn) and Margaret Albright (John) and their families. He is also survived by his sister Ruth B. Claypool of Acton, Mass.; several nieces, a nephew; and eight step grandchildren Daniel, Zachary and Rachel Herz-Roiphe; Ethan and Seth Herz; and Kate “Sam”, Emma and Jake Albright. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Watson Biggar, Jr. (Bob).

Ray will be sadly missed by his beloved Border Collie dog, Sophie (whom he walked daily until Friday, Sept. 25) and by his cat companion, Lily.

The Biggar family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the excellent care provided by Dr. Kurt Ebrahim and Danielle Bowen NPC and the staff at New England Center for Cancer Medicine; by Cecile Roy R.N., and other staff members at the Ambulatory Care Unit of Southern Maine Health Care Center; and by Hospice of Southern Maine.

1 Comment Raymond G. Biggar ’52

  1. Matthew Sullivan

    Ray Biggar was an inspirational teacher and a very fine gentleman. I have the fondest memories of Ray’s teaching at Boston College. He inspired me to take up teaching and pursue medieval studies. Rest in Peace, Ray. I will never forget your love of literature and your kindness to all of your students.

    Reply

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