Claude Richard 'Dick" Bigbie, age 85, a 40 year resident of Thousand Oaks passed away into the loving arms of our heavenly father on March 27, 2010 with his loving wife by his side.

Dick was born to Claude and Florence Bigbie in Ardmore, Texas on Jan. 7, 1925. He had a very happy childhood growing up with three younger siblings. After graduating high school in May 1941 he joined up and served in the United States Navy during WWII on battleships Iowa and Columbus and after being honorably discharged in 1946 he pursued a career in electrical engineering. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters degree and worked in the aerospace industry for 34 years.

In 1954 he married his sweetheart Betty Jean "B.J." and they were together for 55 years, they enjoyed traveling visiting many countries, they also took vacations in their R.V. visiting many of the south western states. They loved to fish and took up painting together, and he was honored by the fact that his painting of the original Lupe's restaurant is strategically placed above the fire place in the new restaurant. Dick had a heart of gold and enjoyed 17 years as a volunteer at Los Robles Hospital.

Betty Jean passed away in August 2008. Dick is survived by his wife, Leigh-Anne Harrison-Bigbie of Thousand Oaks; brother, Don (Jean) Bigbie of Texas and their children; nephew Tad Bigbie who lives in New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold Bigbie, sister Suzie Bigbie and nephew Jim Bigbie.

A celebration of his life will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1600 Erbes Rd. Thousand Oaks, on Friday, April 2, 2010, visitation will be from 10 -10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room and funeral service in the chapel at 11 a.m. followed by graveside service at Valley Oaks Cemetery, Westlake Village.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. 805-482-1166