Samuel Maynard Bigger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Samuel Maynard Bigger, 63, passed away on September 13, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born June 21, 1957 in Los Angeles, California and was adopted by James Stephen and Doris Elizabeth Bigger. He married Diane Burns on April 8, 1983 in the Salt Lake City temple and had three beautiful children together: Melissa, Robby, and Jesse. Sam spent his early years in California, and New Mexico until his family decided to settle in Satellite Beach, Florida. He grew up a block away from the beach and was an avid surfer. He loved to play baseball, where he was a pitcher; but his ultimate love was and still is football. He was being recruited by Alabama as a Junior in high school, but they would not honor a leave for a two year LDS mission so he did not pursue his football career past high school. Sam served in the Arizona Holbrook Mission from 1976-78. He attended BYU and when Lavelle Edwards found out Sam was there, he invited Sam to play football with them. At this time, Sam had medical problems that prevented him from playing with them, but oh, how he wanted to. Sam graduated from BYU with a master’s degree in Computer Science. Sam and Diane knew of each other while at BYU but their paths did not cross until both had employment at Beehive International. Their children lovingly teased them that they failed BYU because they did not date and marry before both graduated. One of their first dates involved a trip to the Holiday Bowl and jalapeno ice cream. Sam was a mighty giant in the computer industry. He was known for being able to pull the company out of difficult situations. He worked for IBM, Sun Microsystems, Veritas, IMCloud, Linux Networx to name a few. He loved to program but his career took him into computer architecture where he designed super computers. He was humble when it came to his accomplishments, but when you talk to those who worked with him, all they could do was sing his praise and abilities which were above the normal worker. His greatest joy, though, was working from home where he was with his family 24/7. Diane homeschooled their children which allowed the kids to join their father in his office when school was done. He greatly enjoyed watching his children play sports as his health allowed. His greatest lament was when they grew up and left home for college and missions. When they came home to visit, he relished every moment with them. As sick as he was at the end, he savored the times when he could play games as a family, Dominion being his favorite. He always begged his children to move back home or stay longer with him. Sam had many church callings from being in the Elders Quorum presidency, home teacher, but his favorite was working in the library. The first time you met him you entered as a stranger but left as a friend; the second time you left as family. He did not enjoy being in large groups but loved being with people one on one. He was a very honest, kind, and giving person. As his health decreased, he was not able to attend his church meetings, but you saw and heard him studying his scriptures daily as well as current political events (his second love after football). He enjoyed sharing the gospel and talking politics with anyone. He is survived by his wife Diane, children Melissa Dawn, Robert Steven, and James Jesse; his sister Azalia Kirouac, niece Samantha Jamie Bigger; Diane’s siblings Doug and Jill Burns, Colleen and Scott Tilleman, Roger Burns, Buffy Burns, Norman and Tracy Burns; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Stephen and Doris Elizabeth Nix Bigger, and his beloved brother Shannon James Bigger. Viewing will be Friday, September 18, from 7-9 pm. A short viewing will be held Saturday, September 19 from 10-10:45am followed by the funeral service at 11am. All will be held at the Granite View Stake Center at 9880 South 3100 East, Sandy, Utah. The service will be available live via Zoom, information on joining the Zoom meeting can be found below. Internment will be at the Midway City Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Sandy City EMS team, the Wasatch Dialysis team, and the many doctors and nurses who worked with Sam on his many and varied health problems. Most especially we appreciate the Hohl family for being by our side, not just at the end, but throughout many years. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com. Join Zoom Meeting: https://ensign-edu.zoom.us/j/93962793865?pwd=ejl6ZlNteHF5dUY0cm5KWi8rT2FZUT09 Meeting ID: 939 6279 3865 Passcode: 993919

Samuel Maynard Bigger

June 21, 1957 - September 13, 2020