Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Sunday

February 3, 2013

Randolph 'Randy' Lynn Biggs

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TRAVERSE CITY — Randolph "Randy" Lynn Biggs, age 69, of Traverse City, passed away on Jan. 28, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family. Randy was born on May 25, 1943, in Lansing. He was the son of Alden and Elinor (Lefevre) Biggs. Randy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Christine Biggs.

Randy was raised in Eaton Rapids, where his tremendous work ethic was developed while working on the family farm.

Graduating from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961, Randy volunteered for enlistment in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Ord, Calif.

Randy started working in Lansing at Olofsson Tool and Die before moving to Big Rapids. While living in Big Rapids and working for Hanchetts and later working in advertising and sales for the Big Rapids Pioneer News, he became passionate about a young girl whose family was from Chicago and vacationed in Michigan. Her name was Christine Flood; they were married Feb. 28, 1970. Moving back to Michigan, he worked at Dart Container in Lansing then became superintendent of Champion Home Builders in Reed City. He also received his Real Estate license while living in Lansing.

Randy and Chris moved to Traverse City and purchased the Pineview Resort in 1977. They have operated this resort for 36 years. Together they managed the 14 cottages, built their family home on the property and raised their family. Randy also worked at Tri Gas during the early years.

Just as in his youth, Randy instilled within his children a strong work ethic, and each child learned to provide the services that were required to make their resort such a success. These teachings have carried through to each child's adult life as they continue training their families.

The resort has provided the Biggs' family with one of their greatest gifts, that being the many long-lasting friendships that have been developed throughout the years. These friendships mean so much to the family, especially Randy who is known by everyone as the best friend anyone could ever have.

Randy's passion for sports was well known in our community. He had a special love for University of Michigan football, so much so that the family purchased the local U of M store, Let's Go Blue. As a family they made many trips to the "big house" to see the Wolverines. Randy also loved the Traverse City Central Trojans; he would attend many football games, basketball games and track meets, especially during the years that his children participated.

In order to play more golf Randy and Chris would spend their winter months in Florida. Again the work ethic played a role; they both were seasonal cast members with Disney and ESPN Wide World of Sports, where they held numerous positions allowing them to add to their number of friendships.

Randy was a proud and loving father to Kimberly (Greg) Jackson, Nicole Biggs, Todd (Whitney) Biggs and Kent (Emily) Biggs. He also had the joy of being a grandfather to Luke and Noah Jackson, Kaiya Biggs and Greyson Biggs. Also surviving are his sister, Marsha McNeil; nephews, Scott (Shirley) Biggs and Shawn (Amanda) Biggs; a niece, Sherry (John) Florez; and several other nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Tamera French; and a brother, Terry Biggs.

Randy will always be remembered for his passion for life, his passion for his beautiful family, his love and devotion to his wife and as a person who always "lived life to it's fullest — all the time".

Cremation has taken place. The family will celebrate his life with a private service. There will be a celebration of life for all of Randy's family and friends later in the year.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook and share a message or memory of Randy with the family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home of Traverse City to handle the arrangements.

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