Ernest William Bigney (Ernie), born June 17, 1949. Passed away unexpectedly September 30, 2023 in Granton. Ernie is survived by his former wife and supportive friend Barbara, Windsor Junction; children Matthew (Rachel van Bommel), Wellington; Elizabeth (Daniel Caswell), Dartmouth; Evan, Windsor Junction; Brad, Halifax; Michael Munday (Hannah), Halifax; Grandchildren Willem, Ruby, Isaac, James and Gabriel. Sisters Helen Boudreau, Halifax; Dorothy (Bill Fitzgerald), Ontario; and Genesta, Ontario. Brothers Terry (Nancy), New Glasgow; Sylvester (Connie), Alberta; and Leslie, Westville. He was predeceased by parents Henry and Mabel Bigney and brothers Henry and Jesse.

Ernie grew up in Abercrombie and enjoyed quick success as a leading lightweight/welterweight boxer in the Maritimes from the late 1960s to early 1970s. This enabled Ernie to finance his education and give up boxing to become an industrial arts teacher. He always looked back fondly on his boxing career; “It was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me.” Ernie was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 1988. He and Barbara raised four children while living in Fall River. He spent retirement at his cottage in Granton, where he enjoyed gardening, hunting, a cup of coffee, and sharing stories with friends.

Cremation arrangements by HW Angus Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held at 2 pm Saturday, October 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Stellarton, with reception to follow in the hall.

Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Pictou County Food Bank.