English
Polish
Józef Bigder was born February 28 1958 in Kolbuszowa (in Rzeszow county). After finishing high school he started his studies at the Academy of Physical Education in Cracow majoring in Tourism and Recreation. In the course of his studies he married and together with his wife Maria, they decided to immigrate to Canada in 1980. He settled in Thunder Bay where her parents live.
In 1982 he started work for the City of Thunder Bay. He works there until today. For the past seven years he has been the Supervisor of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. This beautiful botanical garden is a tourist attraction in the city. During the summer season he is also responsible for (decorating, beautifying, enhancing, revamping) Thunder Bay.
From the beginning of his arrival in Canada Jozef Bidger has taken an active role in the life of the Polish community. In 1982 he became the co-creator of the Fishing-Hunting Club by the Polish Alliance of Canada Branch 19. In 1990 he joined the ranks of the head executive board of the SPK Branch nr1 in Thunder Bay.
Through the ranks he provided responsible functions in the administration of this organization. In 2000 he was chosen as the Vice President of the organization and in 2005 the President of the Polish Combatants Association Br nr 1 and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 219. He also fulfilled functions as vice president KPK O/ Thunder Bay.
He participated in several General Assemblies of KPK - in Hamilton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto as well as many national conventions of the Polish Combatants Association. At the General Meeting of KPK in Calgary he was chosen as the vice president of KPK for central Canada. For his contributions to the Polish community he has been awarded with many awards and titles. In 2005 he was awarded with the Gold Cross of Merit RP by the President of the Republic of Poland for promoting Polish culture outside of the Poland.
Jozef Bigder is a known and valued citizen of Thunder Bay within both Polish community as well as English speaking. He is a good husband and father of three children: Barbara, Mark and Gregory.