Dr. Seymour B. Bigman

Bigman- Seymour B. (Sy), Of Needham, passed on to eternal rest on June 28, 2016, joining his beloved wife of 60 years, Evelyn. Sy was a graduate of New York University and of the School of Veterinary Medicine of Middlesex University in Waltham. He was also an honorary alumnus of Brandeis University and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. He leaves behind a loving family, his children Arna and Alan Margolies, Alison and Jay Bigman, former daughter-in-law Lisa Ratcliff. His grandchildren Riva Margolies, Matthew Bigman and his wife Maile and Grant Bigman. His step-grandchildren Sean and Isabelle. Also his sister Phyllis Kerr and her husband Marvin of Lakewood, NJ, and nephew Dr. Brian Kerr and his wife Ruth of Toms River, NJ and nieces Debra Kerr and Laura and her husband Dr. Jeremy Price. Also, dear friend Greta Caplan of Newton, MA. Dr. Bigman was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 1924. He graduated Thomas Jefferson H.S. in May 1940. He attended New York University until May 1943. He attended the School of Veterinary Medicine of Middlesex University in Waltham until May 1946 when he received his D.V.M. degree. He then returned to N.Y.U. and received his B.A. degree with majors in Biology and History. Dr. Bigman worked for the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. He worked for E.R. Squibb & Sons in their Veterinary Division. He worked for the Ethical Veterinary Supply Co.  He became National Sales Manager of the Atlas Diet Division of Laddie Boy Dog Food. He worked for the Arista Surgical Supply Co. Founded Arjay Medi-Surg Co. in 1967 and closed the company when he purchased the Kindness Animal Hospital in Waltham, MA. Dr. Bigman practiced small animal medicine from 1971 – 2003. While in practice he was a veterinary consultant for the McLean Hospital in Belmont, supervising the health and welfare of all the laboratory animals for 8 years. He remained on the I.A.C.U.C. committee for 2 more years. Dr. Bigman held memberships in the American Public Health Association, British Society of Public Health, N.J. Veterinary Medical Association, MA Veterinary Medical Association, the New England V.M.A. of which he is a Past President, an Honor Roll Gold Card member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to his professional memberships, he is a Past President of the Merrimack Lhasa Apso Club, a member of the American Lhasa Apso Club, and a Past President of the Pets and People Foundation. Dr. Bigman was a member of the Waltham Board of Health for 25 years – Vice Chair 6 years and Chair 15 years. Inspector of Animals for the City of Newton for 22 years. A resident of Needham since 1989 he became active in town activities after he retired from his Veterinary practice in Waltham. Dr.Bigman was appointed a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He was a member of the Needham Volunteer Medical Corps. At the state level, he was a member of the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team, and on the Board of the M.V.M.A. Charities. Dr. Bigman was largely responsible for the S.M.A.R.T. program to distribute oxygen masks statewide to the local fire departments and rescue teams to aid in animal rescues.  In May 2011 Dr. Bigman was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award” for exemplary service and dedication to the veterinary profession by the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.  In the spring of 2015 Dr. Bigman was made an Honorary Member of the Ladies’ Dog Club for his friendship to the club and his many years as their show veterinarian. Services at Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Road, Newton Centre, on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10:30 am. Following interment at Beth Israel Memorial Park, Waltham, memorial observance will be at the home of Arna and Alan Margolies on Thursday until 9 pm, Friday 1-4 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association , Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA; or Brandeis Development Dept., Brandeis University, Waltham, MA.