W.L. Bigg

Walter Lionel Bigg, born in 1907, had a life which covered many areas of activity. He taught school in Saskatchewan where he was principal of Spiritwood School from 1930 to 1931. From 1931 to 1941 he worked for H.R. MacMillan Lumber Co. on Vancouver Island holding jobs as mill hand, logger; rigger and surveyor. From 1942 to 1944 he was a party chief for the US Army Engineers surveys on the Alaska Highway and on runways #1 and #2 at the Namao Airport Edmonton. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve.

From 1946 to 1949, Walter attended the University of Alberta graduating with a B.Sc. (with distinction) in civil engineering. In the years 1949 to 1951 he held in turn positions with Eastern Rockies Conservation Board, construction superintendent for the Canadian Industries Ltd. plant the Groat Bridge the Mid-Canada Line Eldorado Mines expansion the foundations for an addition to the University hospital and the steel design for the Math-Physics complex.

 

From 1951 to 1974, he was on staff in the Department of Civil Engineering. Those who knew him will remember him for his role in the teaching of graphics and surveying. His past experience as a school teacher no doubt aided in making him a very capable instructor, well liked and respected by staff and students.

 

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