1940
2018
Gail Rigden, 77, passed away on Jan. 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz., from complications of a severe stroke. Gail was born in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on May 7, 1940. She grew up living in several different towns in the Okanagan Valley in central B.C., graduating from high school in Penticton, B.C. After high school, Gail traveled to different parts of the world, spending time in Europe, El Salvador, Central America, Mexico, and California.
In 1966, she moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she worked in various office, bookkeeping and aviation related jobs. One of Gail's avid interests in life was aviation. She was an accomplished pilot, holding a commercial certificate with instrument, single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea ratings, and was a licensed FAA dispatcher. Gail was a member of the 99's Licensed Women Pilots organization and served in the past as the president of the Anchorage Chapter. She owned several airplanes with her husband, Charles, and flew out and back down the Alcan Highway in Canada several times over the years, as well as in Queensland, Australia.
Gail worked with her husband in his public accounting office as a staff accountant for nearly 30 years. They retired in 2007, spending winters at their home in Eagle Roost Airpark in Aguila, Ariz., along with her Cessna 182 Skylane, and spent their beautiful summers back in Alaska. She and Charles sold their home in Alaska and had just moved permanently to Arizona in fall 2017.
Gail was loved for her smile and wonderful, outgoing personality. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses for most of her life, her most precious pastime was serving her God Jehovah. She thoroughly loved talking to people and teaching them about his word, the Bible and what his Kingdom will do for mankind.
Gail is survived by her husband of 43 years, Charles Rigden; her sister, Amber and brother-in-law Kerry Waghorn of North Vancouver, B.C.; three nieces and their husbands and children and a nephew, all of B.C.; her stepson and his wife, Tom and Elaine Rigden of Prescott, Ariz.; her sister-in-law, Cynthia Rigden of Kirkland, Ariz.; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anna Mary Glaab and Rigoberto Morales of Peeples Valley, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Mary Campbell, also of British Columbia.
Per Gail's wishes, no services are planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charles, Myron & I fondly remember our times with you & Gail, at McCarthy, 99 events & our trip to Oshkosh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your families and know that Gail will be missed. Dianne & Myron Denson
Dianne Denson
February 27, 2018
Gail was such a special, beautiful, dynamic woman. Her smile & gentleness will be so missed - we can't wait to see her again. Please take care of yourself Charles & know lots of prayers are being sent from Alaska. Love, The Daugherty's
Brandon & Rachelle Daugherty
February 26, 2018
Gail was an accomplished pilot and genuine, sweet lady and friend. We flew together, organized fur fashion shows for 99s conventions, laughed and were very much like sisters through the years. Charles, you know you will always be her 49 1/2-always dearly loved!
Liz Kester
February 25, 2018
So sorry to hear about Gail's passing. She was a gracious host when I invited myself to visit she & Charles in Aguila late 90s or early 2000s. She made potage & it was delicious!
Laura Moy
February 24, 2018
How very sad to hear that Gail is gone from us. She had such a beautiful and generous spirit. I will miss her. My condolences and sympathies to you Brother Rigden and to the entire family.
Roxanne Rockhill
February 23, 2018
Gail was a joyful, considerate and classy lady. She helped Jo-Li's sister coping with her rheumatoid arthritis. We treasure all of the wonderful memories in both Anchorage and Aguila!
Jo-Li and Dale Sellin
February 23, 2018
Charles, I was so sorry to read of Gail's passing. I can certainly sympathize with you as Buck passed away in 2016. I well remember seeing you and Gail at the FedEx hangar a couple years go. My thoughts are with you. Charlene
Charlene Stewart
February 22, 2018
To the Rigden Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
February 21, 2018
We are sorry for your loss. May the sadness you feel be replaced with peace. John 3:16.
February 19, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories of your loved one comfort you until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5
February 19, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 19, 2018
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