Edward R. Bedigan, BHS Principal

Edward R. Bedigan; Assistant Superintendent

June 20, 1992, Los Angeles Times

Edward R. Bedigan, retired assistant superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District, has died at his Burbank home. He was 80.

Bedigan died Thursday of cancer, said his son, Richard E. Bedigan of Burbank.

Born in San Francisco, Bedigan earned a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and came to Southern California where he received a teaching credential and a master's degree from USC. In 1938, Bedigan began teaching American literature and history at Burroughs High School in Burbank. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and returned to teaching at Burroughs after he was discharged. In 1951, Bedigan became boys' vice principal at Burbank High School and was made principal in 1955, the same year he began the foreign exchange student program at Burbank and Burroughs high schools. Bedigan was promoted to assistant superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District in 1963 and retired 10 years later.

Bedigan was past president of the Burbank Teachers Assn. and the Burbank Administrators Assn., life member of the PTA, past president, treasurer and secretary of the Rotary Club of Burbank, past secretary of the Family Service Board in Burbank and member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and the Burbank Senior Citizens Board. In the 1970s, he was ranked fourth nationally among tennis players over 60.

In addition to his son, Bedigan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann Bedigan of Burbank; daughter Nanci Skarie of Castaic; sister Sue Percival of Burbank, and a granddaughter.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank, 521 E. Olive Ave. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service in Burbank is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.