Gary Dean Bigelow was born on August 20, 1942 to George and Hazel Woodcock Bigelow. He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1960, and began his studies at Plattsburgh State University. Gary took a hiatus from school to serve his country with the United State Army, where he earned the rank of sergeant with the Military Police. Upon honorable discharge in 1968, he returned to Plattsburgh to complete his education, and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Gary began his teaching career as the first male kindergarten teacher in the Queensbury Union Free School District. He went on to teach fourth and finished his tenure teaching sixth grade. Gary enjoyed teaching his students about nature, and brought his love of the outdoors into the classroom. He launched an inceptive program which taught students the dangers of drug and alcohol use. He coached Mat Rat wrestling, and helped lead the varsity tennis team to several sectional championships.
Involvement in the community was very important to Gary. Operation Santa Claus and Big Brother/Big Sister were organizations close to his heart. He volunteered countless hours working to make other peoples’ lives better. In keeping with his community involvement, Gary served with the Lake George Police Department from 1970 through 1975, the Naval Reserves from 1974 through 1977, and the Hudson Falls Police Department from 1973 through 2003.
Other than his time at college and his military service, Gary lived his entire life in the community that he loved best; Hudson Falls. Together with his wife, Marne, they raised a daughter, Megan and a son, Geoffrey. Gary died in 2003 at the age of 60.