Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Dr. Gerald Frank Bigwood, known to family and friends as “Gerry”, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, just 43 days short of his 102nd birthday. Born on November 24, 1924, in Clifton, Bristol, England, he lived a remarkable life distinguished by service, achievement, adventure, and an enduring love of life.
Gerry was the eldest of three sons born to Sydney Frank Bigwood and Ethel A. Smith. His middle brother, Anthony, passed away earlier this year, and his youngest brother, Richard, resides in Exeter, England.
Gerry’s early years were shaped by the hardships and uncertainties of World War II. As a teenager in Bristol, Gerry served as a fire watcher and messenger while German aircraft bombed the city on their way west to attack a major aircraft factory. His two younger brothers were sent to the relative safety of the English countryside. Gerry took it upon himself to look after them, bicycling 20 miles each way every two weeks to check on their welfare. This early demonstration of responsibility and devotion to family would remain a defining characteristic throughout his life.
Despite the disruption of wartime, Gerry distinguished himself academically. The University of Bristol offered an accelerated medical program for gifted students, allowing him to graduate with his medical degree at just 23 years of age. He was given his diploma by Winston Churchill, who at the time was serving as Chancellor of the University of Bristol. Gerry had undertaken additional training in obstetrics, a specialty that would serve him well throughout his medical career. During his university years, Gerry and a fellow student once saved the life of a professor whose laboratory coat had caught fire from a Bunsen burner. In recognition of their quick thinking and bravery, they received a small monetary award from the Carnegie Trust Fund. Gerry used his share to purchase his first bespoke suit, a garment he remembered with considerable pride.
Having regretted his inability to join the war effort while studying medicine, Gerry decided to serve in the Royal Navy following graduation. One of his early assignments took him to Trincomalee, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where he spent three years, primarily practicing obstetrics.
Following his naval service, Gerry joined the general practice of Dr. Cyril Helm in Plymouth, England. After his marriage to Patricia Parnell ended in divorce, he made a bold decision that would shape the next chapter of his life. He applied for a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, bringing with him his two children, Jeremy E., who resides in Washington, D.C., and Jennifer, who predeceased him.
Gerry pursued a residency in psychiatry and spent two years in Winona, Minnesota, fulfilling his obligation to the state in return for its support during his residency. In 1967, Gerry joined the Lahey Clinic, beginning a distinguished career that would span 25 years, 10 of which were spent as the Chairman of the Psychiatric Department. In January 1968, Gerry married Dr. Betty Lee Mundy.
Retirement at the age of 67 did not mean slowing down for Gerry. Instead, it opened the door to another fulfilling chapter. He delighted in gardening at his small farm in Wilmington, Massachusetts. He also enjoyed his activities with a Boston-based Coast Guard civilian organization, briefly serving as its leader.
Gerry was a voracious reader, with a special interest in history. Perhaps nothing captured Gerry’s spirit quite like sailing; he sailed in the Trincomalee harbor, the Caribbean and the English Channel from Plymouth to the French coast with friends. Later he took his own sailboat, Morning Glory, up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Throughout his long life, Gerry combined an extraordinary work ethic with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to begin anew. From a young boy navigating the dangers of wartime Bristol to a respected physician and department chairman.
Gerry will be remembered with affection, respect and gratitude by all those whose lives he touched.
As per Gerry’s wishes there will be no formal services held for him at this time.
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