Paul Bigman

Paul Bigman died of natural causes on June 29, 2023 at his home in Chicago, Illinois.

Paul was born in New York City to Stanley and Gertrude (Tobias) Bigman. His formative childhood was spent in Hell's Kitchen, close to his beloved Grandmother Miriam (Mollie), who helped shape much of his character. In later years, his family moved to Washington, D.C. where he graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1967. Paul earned his BA at Reed College in Portland, Oregon and went on to study law at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

From 1975-1983, he worked on staff in the Black Studies program at Portland University, then as director at National Lawyers Guild Chicago Chapter. From there, Paul served as a Paralegal for Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation, then as Law Librarian at Stateville Correctional Center. After that, he was a research associate at Chicago Law Enforcement Study Group and the John Howard Associates of Illinois.

In 1984, the influence of his family's heritage and Grandmother Mollie came to fruition when Paul answered his true calling as advocate for the labor force of America's working class. No doubt his work would go on to help legions of workers.

From 1984-1993, he worked in the capacities of labor union organizer and representative in the Chicago area for Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union, followed by Retail, Wholesale & Dept Store Union, and then United Electrical Workers Union. During this time Paul met the love of his life, Beverly "Bobbi" Polzine. From 1994-1997, Paul worked as organizer for the Communication Workers of America Union in Princeton Junction, New Jersey. In 1997, he & Bobbi relocated to Seattle where he worked as international organizer for International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Western Regional Field organizer for Jobs for Justice, Office and Professional Employees International Union - Local 8, and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees - Local 18, and union representative at American Federation of Musicians – Local 76-493, before retiring in 2017 to care for Bobbi until her passing later that year.

During retirement, Paul continued to stay active with volunteer work and political campaigning. In the months preceding his death, he was mentoring Amazon workers. Understanding that making a better future requires learning from the past and eager to educate, Paul wrote a series of Facebook posts he called "In the History of Struggle", telling stories of the unsung heroes, rebels, and rainmakers – especially those in the labor movement – who made their mark "ad bonum populi."

The very essence of Paul's life was his infinite determination to make the world a better place. He would follow, support, volunteer, protest, advocate, donate, or march and whatever resources he had were given without hesitation. Paul met every job and endeavor with unwavering integrity, stamina, conviction, and passion. He accepted imprisonment rather than compromise his opposition to war and regarded his criminal conviction as an honor.

Paul enjoyed theater and dance productions, hiking, jazz music, reading, intellectual conversations (often mixed with banter), and any connective interaction with babies – be they humans or animals. He was a gentle and compassionate steward of humanity with unquestioned integrity and a generous, loving heart – and when the situation required it, a force to be reckoned with. Never judgmental, Paul treated everyone with utmost dignity and respect. As a husband and father he was attentive, nurturing, and supportive – always. But then, he was this way for everybody. Paul listened patiently, with intent to understand. He was the mentsch, the stand up guy, the man that always had your back, the one who always stood in your corner. We cherished him and the loss of him is unspeakable. But, we are reminded of his legacy, knowing that in solidarity we share the wins and losses together. In solidarity, we are peacefully comforted in remembering that behind Paul's every thought, word, and deed was love – just plain love.

Shortly before his untimely death, paraphrasing Biblical and Talmudic texts, Paul posted: "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."

Paul is preceded in death by his wife Bobbi, father Stanley, mother Gertrude (Toby), and sister Laura Bigman. He is survived by step-daughter Rebecca (Mark) Hansen of Tea, South Dakota; step-son John (Carolyn) Polzine of Brewster, Minnesota; step-son James (Michelle) Polzine of Heron Lake, Minnesota; nine step-grandchildren, niece Cabral Bigman Galimore, cousin Andrea Frisch-Hara, and special friend Davida Perry.
Expressions of condolences are most appreciated by making memorial contributions to any charitable organizations which would honor Paul's legacy.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Caring Cremations - Chicago on Jul. 14, 2023.