Richard ‘Dick’ Bigwood, 85, maintained trails with the Chester Snowmobile Club

A Celebration of Life for Dick Bigwood has been set for noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 the Chester American Legion, 637 Route 103 South in Chester.

Richard “Dick” L. Bigwood, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at his home in Chester surrounded by his family. He was born Fe. 19, 1931 in Worcester, Mass., the son Ephram L. Bigwood and Viola May (Chabeneau).

Mr. Bigwood grew up in Grafton, Mass., and met the love of his life, Dolly, in 1954. They married July 23, 1955 in Grafton, Mass., and settled in Westboro, Mass., where they raised their family. Mr. Bigwood worked at Bay State Abrasives in Westboro, retiring after 44 years.

In 1974, the Bigwoods purchased a small home in Chester, Vt., and together they worked on weekends to renovate it in time for the permanent move to Vermont in 1994.

After much traveling across the country, they settled into life in Chester. Mr. Bigwood became involved in VAST Chester Snowmobile Club and found a new calling working the groomer in the winter, placing signs on trails in the fall and maintaining trails and equipment throughout the year. He especially enjoyed keeping in touch with the numerous landowners along the trails throughout Windsor County.

He leaves his wife Dolly of 61 years;his three sons, Steven and his wife Birgit of Mendon;  Bill and his wife Mary of Chester, Guy of Rindge, N.H., and his daughter Alison of Westminster; two sisters, Rita and her husband Joe of Upton, Mass., and Barbara of Auburn, Mass. Mr. Bigwood also leaves numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Chester Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 353, Chester, Vt. 05143.