Edgar “Ed” Catan Bigornia, 84, of Eugene, Oregon, passed peacefully at home on January 11, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. Born in Cebu City, Philippines, he was the eldest of six children born to Andres and Remedios Bigornia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sisters, Cynthia Perez and Josephine Mugot.

Ed was raised in Cebu City, Philippines, where he completed his education through college before beginning his professional career with Shell. In 1970, he married Fatima “Timmie” Rendaje. As the first of his family to migrate to the United States, Ed and Timmie initially settled in Everett, Washington, where they began their family, before ultimately making Eugene, Oregon their lifelong home. There, Ed spent the remainder of his career with Weyerhaeuser’s Pulp & Paper Division in Springfield, Oregon.

A man deeply devoted to his faith, Ed was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. When asked how he was doing, his response was almost always, “I’m still vertical!” A natural problem solver, he believed strongly in staying active and often reminded those around him, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” He loved adventure—camping, boating, fishing, and rafting—and took great pride in fixing things, whether it was working on cars or tackling home projects. Photography and music were lifelong passions that brought him joy and connection with others. In his later years, Ed discovered a talent for gardening and became an avid green thumb, with a special love for dahlias, often earning awards at local competitions.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fatima “Timmie” Bigornia; his daughter, Melissa Hathaway (Wayne); grandchildren, Saksen and Asher Hathaway; sister, Myrna (Bigornia) Canon; and brothers, Venerando “Vinny” Bigornia and Siegfriedo “Fred” Bigornia.

Firm in his Catholic faith, Ed lived with gratitude, humor, and purpose. His family finds peace in the promise of eternal life through Christ and trusts that he has been called home to rest in God’s loving embrace—still, in his own way, very much “vertical.”

We will gather to celebrate Ed’s life on Tuesday, January 27 at St. Paul Catholic Church (1201 Satre St., Eugene, OR 97401) at 12:00 p.m. Celebration of life reception details to follow.