On Aug. 2, record-breaking rain suddenly gave way to a clear afternoon sky. Fittingly, these were the last moments on earth for Louis Burtran Bigler III, who brought calm to his friends and family throughout his life.  

Born in the Salt Lake area, Lou and his family moved to a farm in West Jordan. He was the youngest and seldom came out on top over his cunning brother Richard. One day, Richard paid Lou with firecrackers in exchange for milking the cows. When the deal was done, Lou bolted and yelled over his shoulder “I already milked the cows.”  

While juggling farm duties, he attended the University of Utah, donning his Utes T-shirt the day of his passing. After graduating, he tried accounting but concluded he would do anything but accounting - he would even sell insurance. A career was born.

Early on, Lou realized the importance of this seemingly dry job after persuading a neighbor to sign up for a policy. The neighbor unexpectedly died soon after, and the coverage allowed his spouse to keep their home, and his children went on for advanced degrees.

Lou started his insurance agency, Lou Bigler and Associates, and never retired. He woke up every morning thinking about selling insurance. He was on the Million Dollar Round Table, a professional distinction earned yearly, for 43 years.

His success took him to insurance conventions in far-off places – marrying his love for work with his love for travel. In Germany, he rollerbladed around the Berlin Wall. In Japan, he slurped sea cucumbers while towering over the locals. Beside him during his adventures was his wife Judy Grant Bigler. 

Despite rising to the top of his profession, he saw past money and status, and eschewed judgments. He simply enjoyed people for who they were. A cancer diagnosis didn’t quell his interest and spirit, even during his final days.

Lou fostered goodwill as a Salt Shaker, part of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and served as lead shaker in the eighties. He was president of University Club and was active with the MS Society and United Way. His decades-spanning community work echoed that of his father, Louis Burtran Bigler II, who built the first modern dairy in Jericho, Jordan for the benefit of an orphanage. Later, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered nearby, and his dad facilitated access for Utah leaders.

His mother, Hazel Anderson Bigler, was a force of nature who raised gifted entrepreneurs. Lou had her stature, calm demeanor and ability to evoke diplomacy and hospitality in any situation.

Lou came from a family of rugged, undaunted pioneers, who founded Salt Lake and San Diego. Henry Bigler discovered gold while laboring at Sutter’s Mill.

Lou didn’t have to go far from his Park City home to discover the treasures of wildlife – birds, bunnies, foxes, and a moose he named Molly, who relied on him for food during harsh winters.  

Lou and his former wife, Elizabeth, had four children: Sharrie, Nannette, Suzanne, and John. Lou has three stepchildren with Judy: Annette, Alana and Ryan. They have a combination of seven children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Nan, his parents, and four siblings: Louise, Anna Gae, David and Richard.

A time and date for a celebration of life will be announced later. Please go to

www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/louis-burtran-bigler-iii to leave your well-wishes. Lou will rest alongside his parents at Larkin Sunset Lawn Foothill under the large, mid-lawn ash tree.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Corey Payne, Rey Padin, and Ashby Hospice, as well as the loving staff and his incredible friends at The Ridge Foothill. (We salute you, Table 11.) 

 In lieu of flowers, Lou would want you to invest in life insurance.