Robert “Paul” Biggs
February 2, 1959 - May 6, 2021
Funeral Details: Celebration of life to be held at a later time
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Paul” Biggs, on May 6, 2021 at the age of 62 years. Paul was battling leukemia, but ultimately succumbed to bacterial pneumonia.
Paul will be dearly missed by Sylvia, his wife of 37 years, his two children, Dylan and Maddy, and his sister Ginny (Paul) and brother Richard (Janet), his niece Jennifer (Mark) and their children Emily and Isabelle and many lifelong friends. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Gail and Bob Biggs.
Paul was known for his kindness, his generosity, his sense of humour, his work ethic, his culinary skills, and his ambitious undertaking of building and home renovations.
Paul led an active life, he enjoyed a variety of activities, from sailing with the Toronto Brigantine, to Rugby with the RAMS in Calgary. He enjoyed skiing, golf, hockey, and any activity on the water. He also enjoyed hosting a dinner party or two.
Paul earned his culinary arts degree from the Southern Institute of Technology in Calgary and went on to pursue his culinary career at the Westin Calgary and Ottawa for several years. From there, he moved to Le Select in Toronto, where he was head chef for 18 years, before opening his own restaurant, Bodega, in 2003. Over the next 17 years at Bodega, Paul served his vision of what he believed food should be.
Many thanks to the various doctors and nurses at St. Joseph's Health Centre and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre that cared for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences and memories may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Bortolussi Family
Posted on: Monday, May 10, 2021Sylvia, Dylan and Maddy
Our hearts break for you and your loss, and although there is nothing we can say to take away your pain…please know that our thoughts and prays are with you at this difficult time. Paul will be sorely missed, and although we cannot be with you now please know we are thinking of you, and look forward to the time when we can gather again and share our hugs, tears and laughs as we remember a wonderful husband, father and friend.
Dylan Robertson
Posted on: Tuesday, May 11, 2021I am shocked and deeply sadden to hear of Paul’s passing. I worked with Paul at Le Select Bistro, he was apart time that was very exciting and special to me. He was very generous with advice, on food, trade work and life. Not only was he a tremendous Chef, but a ‘jack of all trades, multi-tasking talent’, with an inspiring work ethic and a great role model. In our frequent but brief conversations he helped inspire me to pursue work in the trades and excel. I will always be thankful for his fine example of dedication, discipline and kindness. He will always be remembered.
Peace and Love to family
Lorne Dubros and Marlene Pancer
Posted on: Thursday, May 13, 2021Dear Dylan,
We would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Dylan, we are thinking of you.
Lorne Dubros and Marlene Pancer
Mike Franza and Jean
Posted on: Saturday, May 15, 2021Sylvia and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. The few years we have known him he always had a smile and a wave hello. Always friendly and easy going. It saddens us to hear of his passing.
We are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Mike Franza, Jean
Sophie Howe
Posted on: Tuesday, June 1, 2021Dear Sylvia, Dylan and Maddy – we are so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. Thinking on so many happy days together on Indian Trail. You are in our thoughts.
Yours, Sophie, James, Alice and Jack
Lada & Kieren MacMillan
Posted on: Wednesday, September 1, 2021Oh, this is such sad news. Our hearts go out to you all. Paul was the loveliest man, and such a fantastic chef. The meal at our wedding — cooked and served on his own wedding anniversary, at that! — still stands as the finest reception meal we’ve ever eaten. Paul’s smile was the brightest light on Baldwin, and Bodega our favourite restaurant. He will be profoundly missed. Sending our deepest condolences. Yours, Kieren & Lada.
Siobhan & Larry Becker
Posted on: Tuesday, February 1, 2022How terribly, terribly sad to learn of Paul’s passing.
We hadn’t visited Bodega in more than six years and were so long overdue! Heartbroken and saddened to find out that the restaurant was closed and we would not have the opportunity to reminisce or enjoy the fabulously sincere, Biggs’ hospitality.
When Paul bought La Bodega from the Whartons and improved the shine and ambiance that became, Bodega, we, the staff, were so thrilled! A kinder “kitchen” it became; unheard of in the restaurant “biz.”
Paul’s auto default was Kindness, was Fairness!
We will be thinking of his family and wishing much grace for you in the months ahead.
Martin Kouprie
Posted on: Sunday, December 17, 2023Saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. First time we met was in the kitchens of the Westin Ottawa where he was the chef at Les Saison. There were a lot of chefs at the hotel at the time but Paul stood out for his kindness, helpfulness, and always quietly evaluating before he spoke to me, a commis just getting serious about becoming a chef. Our paths would cross again in Toronto during a a competition I was in and he was a judge. There were a few of us that singled out Paul that day and thanked him for the impression and positive influence he had on us, we were all more sane and rational in the kitchen because of that. My condolences and respect to his family, friends and colleagues.