Errol Biggs

Errol Lee Biggs, age 83, of Castle Rock, CO passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024. He was born November 4, 1940, in Denver, CO to W.L "Red" and Eldora (Dode) Chick Biggs. He then grew up in Colby, KS.

Errol was the oldest of three sons. He graduated from Colby High School where, among other sports, he was a part of their state championship wrestling team. Errol received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Simpson College, and was a life member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Errol then received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from The George Washington University where he was the president of Student Association for Hospital Administration. He also received his Bachelor's Degree of Law from LaSalle Extension University, and finally, his PhD from Pennsylvania State University.

Errol worked in administrative positions in Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, and in Harrisburg and Lewistown Hospitals in Pennsylvania. Returning to Colorado, Errol was initially Regional Director for Hospital Affiliates, and then became the Administrator of Presbyterian Denver Hospital, President of Childrens’ Hospital, and was the Chief Executive Officer for Hospital Group Inc.

Returning to academia, Errol then became Director of both the On-Campus and the Executive Graduate Programs in Health Administration for the University of Colorado Denver. Under his leadership, each program became nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Dr. Biggs was a Fellow and life member of the American College of Healthcare Administrators. He was also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Denver Athletic Club Board of Directors, Healthcare Reality Trust Board of Directors for 23 years, President of Biggs & Associates, Vice Chair of Practical Governance Group, and active in the Association of University Professors in Health Administration, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and had been a member of Rotary and United Way. Errol also served as a 1st Lt in the US Army Reserve and was a member of Hope United Methodist Church.

Errol was particularly proud to have orchestrated the first ever merger of an allopathic (M.D.) and an osteopathic (D.O.) hospital in the United States. This merger set the stage for others to successfully do the same throughout the country. Another achievement was consulting with the Hungarian government on structuring their health care system, for the Department of Health Planning and Administration, College of Health and Human Development with Penn State University.

Throughout his schooling and career Errol received several recognitions. Most notable was the conference room dedicated to him in honor of his academic and professional leadership and for advancing the University of Colorado Denver as a leader in the field of health administration education. Errol also wrote countless articles in various professional journals and authored three books: The Governance Factor: 33 Keys to Success in Healthcare; Healthcare Governance: A Guide for Effective Boards; and co-authored Practical Governance with Larry Tyler

In his free time Errol loved to play squash, sail, ride horses, hunt pheasants, golf, and read, and was known for his dislike of walking. A highlight of Errol’s week was the regular Tuesday lunches with squash legend Hashim Kahn and getting to play with him.

Errol was married to Alison Lee (Sunny) Knight Biggs for 59 years, and she always said that life with Errol was never dull. They had their son, Justin, who followed in Errol's footsteps and became a state wrestling champion as a high school senior. Errol did his best to keep his promise of not coaching from the sidelines and avidly followed Justin’s adventures in whatever he did, which included wrestling, cycling, skiing and other sports.

Errol was preceded in death by his parents: Winfred Lowis "Red" Biggs, Eldora Edith (Dode) Chick Biggs; and brothers Ronald and Edward Biggs.

He is survived by his wife, Alison (Sunny) Knight Biggs and son Justin Biggs, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Life at the Denver Athletic Club, 1325 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204, on June 22, 2024, from 1:00pm-4:00pm. A graveside service will be in the Mingo Cemetery, Mingo, KS, on June 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests consideration of a donation to CU Denver’s Health Administration Program General Support Fund at giving.cu.edu which will be used to fund an annual student scholarship in memory and honor of Errol. Other suggestions are Mile High 360, or the American Lung Association. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com