Maurice M. Bigras

BARRE TOWN – Maurice “Moe” Bigras passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 30 ^th at his home on Richardson Road in Barre with family by his side.

Born in Newport, Vermont on November 14, 1931 to Camille J. Bigras and Isabelle B. (Nadeau) Bigras, Moe spent his early years in New Hampshire, moving to Vermont with his family at the age of nine. Attending Barre City schools, Moe later joined the Air Force where he served in the Philippines during the Korean conflict. Upon leaving the military, Moe returned to his beloved Vermont where he would meet his future wife Kathleen “Kitty” Murray of Montpelier, Vermont. Married on April 28, 1956, Moe and Kitty were married for 58 years until her death in 2014.

Moe is survived by his four children, Cindy Bigras of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Steven and wife, Chantal (affectionately referred to as “Giselle”) Bigras, of East Montpelier, Vermont, Lori Bigras of Santa Cruz, California , Diane and Larry Morrison of Pensacola, Florida and sister Lucille “Bunny” Beard of Burlington, Vermont. He was predeceased by his sister Annette Parle. Beloved grandchildren include Jessica, Trevor, Tylor, Jalyn, Wyatt and Kobe—and grandson Collin who passed away earlier this year—and great grandson Noah, as well as nieces and nephews.

A hard worker his entire life, Moe’s career began as a stonecutter, soon starting his own successful sandblast business which he would go on to operate with son Steve until his retirement in 1993. Moe loved the woods and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman with trapshooting being a special passion. He developed many lifelong friendships as an active member of the Montpelier Gun Club, where he passed along his love of trapshooting to his son and grandsons.

In his spare time between tinkering in his workshop on countless projects, Moe was known to never say no to someone in need, readily lending a helping hand to a friend or family member. An enthusiastic gardener, Moe’s plentiful harvests fed many neighbors in addition to his own family.

Moe was always up for a competitive game of cards, whether at home or hunting camp. A loyal fan, Moe never missed a Red Sox game and opportunity to cheer on ‘his boys.”

Moe will be remembered by friends and loved one as, among other things, a humble gentle soul with a kind and warm heart. His patience, compassion and eternal optimism were trademarks the likes of which are rare in the best of men. His commitment to, and love of, his family leave a void that will be deeply felt forever.

A graveside ceremony to honor Moe’s life will be at Hope Cemetery in Barre on Saturday, September 9 ^th at 1:00 PM. There are no calling hours.

The Bigras family wishes to thank the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided to their father.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Montpelier Gun Club at PO Box 664, Montpelier, Vermont 05601.