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BORN
1942
DIED
2016
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Fred Riggers Obituary
1942 ~ 2016
Fred Riggers passed away suddenly on April 26, 2016. Fred was born to John and Thelma Simmons Riggers on December 20, 1942 and lived and worked on the family farm in Nezperce until his mid-50's. He married Mary Lou Wilson Riggers in 1964 and she survives him at their home in Boise. Fred is also survived by his two children: son, Leonard and his wife, Kathy Riggers of Knoxville, TN; and his daughter, Lynda and her husband, Jody Wolters of Boise, ID; as well as his grandchildren: Jordan, Adam and Hunter, Ryan, Stephanie, Dylan and Karly. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Whipple.
Fred was an avid hunter and snowmobiler and active in his community in Nezperce in the Jaycees, Lions, and volunteer fire department. He spent his career farming the land he loved. Fred's life dramatically changed with the loss of his sight 20 years ago and his new chapter began. He and Mary moved to Boise where he watched his grandsons grow up, became an advocate for the blind community including spending two years in an appointed position taking him back to Washington D.C. for advocacy matters, getting involved in three local Toastmasters clubs which took him to national and international meetings, being active in Rotary Club, and becoming a fixture at the State Capitol attending every legislative session possible, health permitting, for the past 17 years.
Fred had a unique way of bringing strangers home for holiday dinners and empowering people with his words and spirit. He was passionate about living his life to the fullest.
There will be a viewing Friday, April 29, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise, ID. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Trinity Fellowship Church, 300 N. Latah, Boise, ID 83706.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of your choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Fred's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Riggers
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Janielle Pennington
May 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I'm so sorry for your loss Mary Lou and family, he was such a wonderful and kind-hearted man. He will be greatly missed by everyone that ever had the pleasure of meeting him.
DeLayne Deck
May 5, 2016
I knew Fred when I worked at the Statehouse for 12 years. I looked forward to seeing him every legislative session, and he never failed to stop by the office and say hello. I will miss his ever-present smile and charming personality.
My sincere condolences to the Riggers family and friends, and may they find peace and comfort at this difficult time.
May 1, 2016
We will truly miss Fred. Even the Senate pages loved him. They wanted to be sure to include a picture of them with him in their presentations. He did indeed make the Capitol a friendly place.
Sarah Jane McDonald
April 29, 2016
We should all take a page from Fred's book that everyday is a great day. Truly a special man. Lucky to have known him. Enjoy an olive or two I won't tell!
Jonathon
Joe Mendiola
April 29, 2016
I didn't know Mr. Riggeres personally. I saw him many times while riding the State Street bus. He always had a smile and a warm greeting for the bus drivers and passengers. He brightened my day whenever I had the good fortune of seeing him. R.I.P Fred. Our world was better with you in it.
Deborah Bail
April 29, 2016
I will truly miss Fred. He was always welcoming--full of life and fun. He was the leading greeter for the Boise Downtown Rotary Club and our club will miss him greatly. If ever a person had the gift of hospitality, it was Fred. I am sure he is making the angels laugh today.
April 28, 2016
The Talking Book Service will miss Fred. He would come in to the Commission for Libraries to get audio books. Fred always had a smile and a story to tell! Fred was funny, respectful and well liked by all of us. Our sincere condolences to Mary Lou and family. Until we meet again.
Elke Gribskov
April 28, 2016
I will always remember Fred with fondness. He was amazing and would lighten up a Toastmasters meeting.
April 28, 2016
Thank you Fred. You were a light. jm
Jill Kuraitis
April 28, 2016
Fred was a wonderful person; always the gentleman, always smiling and friendly. His kind words were special. He will be sorely missed.
Marty Durand
April 28, 2016
Fred was a Statehouse fixture. And always brightened the place. He will be missed.
Sam Seevers
April 28, 2016
I met Fred on the sidewalk in Capitol Mall. We were waiting for a light to change, he introduced himself and talked my leg off. I thought, "What a remarkable person. I hope to be like him someday." He was so very friendly and positive, and I've never forgotten him. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Toni Lawson
April 28, 2016
I will miss Fred. The halls of the Idaho Statehouse won't be the same without his smiling face and good-humored personality.
Phill VanSickle
April 28, 2016
It was a real privilege to know Fred. At a time in life when many others would have quit, he forged ahead and became an ambassador to his community and an inspiration to many.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Memorial Events
for Fred Riggers
Apr
29
Viewing
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Summers Funeral Home - Ustick Chapel - Meridian3629 East Ustick Road, Meridian, ID 83642
Funeral services provided by:
Summers Funeral Home - Ustick Chapel - Meridian3629 East Ustick Road, Meridian, ID 83642
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