Mordecai's Journal

The Society of American Magicians
Northern Connecticut Assembly #21
Newsletter for May 2007   page two of three

Remembering Mel Bigley
Our friend and comrade, Mel Bigley, died on April 8 this year.  He was known for his spirit and magic abilities not only by our club, but by the faculty at Central CT State University where he worked as mail services supervisor.  The following stories are taken from a The following stories are taken from a university listserv provided to me by Len Lazar.
Some thoughts on "Magical Mel":

I was not a close friend of Mel Bigley, but he was one of those wonderful individuals who brighten the life of all who knew him. Mel delivered the mail, but more than that, he brought a smile, a joke, or a new magical gag with him as he made his daily rounds.  When I was department chair, I would see him daily since I usually had to sign for packages delivered to the dept.  We developed a daily banter that always was a delight.  I looked forward to his visits.

The best gag he ever pulled on me happened when I was working in the graduate office when it was still in Davidson.  He had just dropped off some packages that I had picked up and as I turned to walk away with my arms full, he said "one more item" and through a large brick at me!  It was a sponge that was the most realistic looking brick I had ever seen.  We both laughed for 5 minutes after it bounced off of me (but not before I managed to drop all the packages!)

And then there was his magic...Mel would perform magic shows for groups all over campus.  My sons (now all college age) would delight when he would come over and perform for the pre-school.  One of my boys is still trying to figure out how he pulled a coin out of his nose.

Mel was also an accomplished musician; but I only heard him perform a few times, but I enjoyed it immensely.

I am convinced that all organizations have a "Mel"—a clerical level employee who knows everyone and whose personality brightens the daily life of all who toil in the organization.

Before I came to CCSU, I worked at a VA hospital where a lowly record clerk—Harvey Pekar—served that role.  He was also an underground cartoonist whose life ultimately was immortalized in the film "American Splendor."  They may not make a movie about Mel, but he will not be forgotten by the scores of people whose life was graced by his presence.  I will miss him terribly.

--Marc B. Goldstein, Ph.D. Psychology Department

I recall Mel at Border's, where he liked to go for the occasional coffee after work (I'm not sure if it was café americano or cappucino that he preferred), and where he would amuse passersby while waiting for his beverage by doing coin tricks.  Mel was a staple at CCSU for as long as I've been here.  —>		 <— And I would add that in the 17 years I've been in Marcus White Hall, I've never had a letter or package fail to be delivered—a tribute to both Mel and all the whole mailroom and delivery staff.  We'll all miss Mel.

—David Blitz

Mel was very special.  When I first came to Central, he was the mailman that regularly came to pick up and deliver the mail twice a day.  There was never one time when he did not bring a smile to my face.  He always knew just how to make you feel delight for the moment.  He inspired you to do the same for others. I remember when he was promoted and stopped delivering the mail.  I missed his happy aura then.  But I always knew Mel was around, somewhere in our mail system.

What a shock to receive the news today.  Most didn't even know he was sick.  I've talked to at least 20 people today who have tears in their eyes and can't believe we will not experience Mel's presence again.  Mel, you spread love all around you and I hope you feel the same from all of us wherever you are.  My sympathies to your family.

—Carol Shaw Austad, (Psychology)

Tears are in my eyes.  I fully agree with the sentiments already expressed about Mel.  He was a wonderful human being who made our lives more cheerful and better in a number of ways.  I shall miss him.

—Norton Mezvinsky, (History)

Thanks to Marc for sharing his magical memories of Mel. I never tired of his sleight of hand and free-wheeling banter.  Such are the people who make this place...and not just in the functional sense.  It is all so tragic when such a caring, conscientious person who brought so much enjoyment to so many, young and old, passes away so suddenly.  Anything to remember this wonderful man will be welcome.

—Nanjundiah Sadanand, (Physics Earth Sciences)

Yes, thanks to Marc and all.  I share your thoughts and will miss him dearly.  I recall the times when he would bounce into the department office, and in his naturally light-hearted way call to me, "how's your day going, sweetheart?"  Somehow, it always went better after that.

—Joan Calvert, (Computer Science)

My thanks to Len Lazar for sharing these tributes. The ones here are only those I could fit in. As Len adds, “the outpouring is greater than any I have seen—a dean or teacher may get 1 or 2 proforma letters, few get personal recollections.”