Former Tournament of Roses President, Prominent Pasadena Businessman John Biggar III Dies at 90

Jack Biggar picutured as President for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 100th Rose Parade and 75th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 1989. [Photo courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association]

Former Tournament of Roses President John Hall Biggar III died earlier this week following a long illness, he was 90.

Known as “Jack” Biggar, he served as the president of JH Biggar Furniture Co. which operated a store on the southeast corner of Colorado Boulevard and El Molino Avenue for decades.

Born in Pasadena, Biggar graduated from Blair High School and later served as president of the Tournament of Roses during the centennial Rose Bowl Game and the 75th Tournament of Roses Parade.

At that time, he called the 100th game an “enormous challenge to live up to.”

“The enthusiasm around the country for our parade and Rose Bowl game is something you don’t get into your bones until you travel around to these little towns, the ones we have invited to take part.

‘They just know it is the best event on New Year’s Day, the granddaddy of them all,’ he said. ‘Just say ‘Pasadena’ to someone out of state and the first thing they talk about is the parade and game.”

2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association President Amy Wainscott paid tribute to Biggar in a statement to Pasadena Now.

“The Pasadena Tournament of Roses family mourns the loss of Past President Jack Biggar,” Wainscott said.

“Jack dedicated his life to volunteering in the community and serving others. With all the organizations he served, we appreciate the endless hours that he gave the Association. We remember fondly that he presided as President for the 100th Rose Parade and remained a loyal Member. On behalf of the 935 volunteer Members and professional staff, we extend our condolences to the entire Biggar family during this time of grief.”

Biggar graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics. He later wed Carol Ann Romer.

According to the Pasadena Star-News, Biggar is survived by his wife Karol Biggar; his brother Richard; and children Mike Biggar and Lynne Biggar; grandchildren Kelsey and Matt; stepchildren Susan King and Bob Hezlep.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Biggar’s honor be made to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses or the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church.