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Andrew Riggs Obituary
Andrew Cromwell Riggs, 51, died at 8:50 am Sunday, September 29, 2019 at St. Vincent's Heart Institute in Indianapolis following a massive heart attack.
Andy was born July 11, 1968 in Lafayette, the son of Dr. Wendell A. and Eleanor C. Riggs. He graduated from Jefferson H.S. in 1986. Andy attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a B.S. in Biology in 1990. He then enrolled in Purdue University and obtained a Master's in Genetics in 1992.
After graduating from Purdue, Andy spent 2 years as a research fellow studying DNA at the Barnes Laboratory at Washington University of St. Louis. Interested in research and convinced that he wanted to follow his father's and grandfather's footsteps as a pediatrician, Andy entered the IU School of Medicine, graduating in 1998. After medical school, Andy served as a pediatric resident at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He then returned to St. Louis as a post-graduate fellow to do research focused on children with diabetes at Washington University.
Starting in 2004, Andy became the Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. He was often a quiet, private man in public, but as a doctor Andy had a passion for serving the medical needs of children. He started a summer camp for children with diabetes and volunteered his time as camp physician ever since it started. Andy served on the camp's Diabetes Youth Foundation Board of Directors and the state-wide Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Board. He authored numerous articles about children with diabetes and served on other medical committees at St. Vincent's and in Indiana. Andy greatly enjoyed his time at St. Vincent's children's hospital and traveled the state to treat children with diabetes in many different cities. Andy will be deeply missed by his colleagues at St. Vincent's and the nursing staff, but mostly by his young patients throughout Indiana.
Since Andy was very young, he collected coins. He was a member of the Lafayette Numismatic Society. Andy spent many summers at Lafayette YMCA Camp Straight Arrow and Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, which inspired him to start a summer camp especially for children with diabetes. One of Andy's many personal joys was singing songs around the campfire and playing basketball and other outdoor activities with his campers every year. He also enjoyed playing cards and was a life-long sports fan, especially for the Purdue Boilermakers and Indianapolis Colts.
Andy was a proud, loving father to his three sons: Andrew Cox Riggs and Robert Pierce Riggs (both Purdue students), and Sam Ireland Riggs who is in Indianapolis. Andy had a special bond with his boys and they will miss him.
His mother Eleanor C. Riggs and brother and sister-in-law Steven and Sandy Riggs live in Lafayette; his brother David C. Riggs and aunt Marian Riggs Ullrich live in Indianapolis. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, Oct. 5th at First Baptist Church, 411 N. 7th Street in Lafayette, the Rev. Gary Reif presiding. The funeral service will immediately follow visitation and begin at 12 noon. Burial will be at Spring Vale Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life memorial service honoring Dr. Riggs will be held Monday Oct 7th from 3:30-4:00 pm at St. Vincent Hospital's Nasser Simulation Center, 1801 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis. A reception for staff and patients to meet the family will follow.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Dept. of Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, 8402 Harcourt Road, Suite 732, Indianapolis, IN 46260; the Riggs Community Health Center, 1716 Hartford Street, Lafayette, IN 47904; or the Lafayette Family YMCA, 3001 S. Creasy Lane, Lafayette, IN 47905.
Tippecanoe Funeral & Cremation Services entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.tippecanoememorygardens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Riggs
Crystal Oliver
January 27, 2020
I was saddened to hear the news today. Dr. Riggs was amazing. He was my son's Endocrinologist and I'm so thankful for all of his advice and deep concern over the years. He made a very difficult time much easier to bear and I will ALWAYS be thankful for that. My heart goes out to the family... May you find comfort in your memories as well. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Jason, Shelley, Cade and Joel Clouser Clouser
December 9, 2019
We are so very sorry to learn of Dr. Riggs passing. He was an amazing doctor and offered such great comfort to us and our son Cade, who was diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic at age 12. Cade was a patient of Dr. Riggs until age 17. We always enjoyed visiting him and felt encouraged after his appointments. He was a great man and doctor. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for his family, friends, and coworkers.
Lee Merry
November 19, 2019
A visit to Andy was always fun. My daughter, Emma & I would march in. She'd jump up on the table & I'd whip out pen & paper. In his kind, gentle way he asked the RIGHT questions. Ones that made Emma think & reflect - what needed improving but, equally, what she was doing RIGHT. Often her tears would come, which prompted my Mamma Bear tears. He would smile & wait for the moment to clear. I found it amazing, she was always so honest with him. Admitting how life was overwhelming & she wasn't able to do all the important things for good management. It is to HIS tribute that she was so honest. She knew he was on her TEAM, without judgement, supporting her, believing in her. Even if you don't believe in angels, you can't deny we have a new one, watching over the young diabetic angels in heaven. They're singing songs, acting goofy, and teasing him as little campers do. It's the only explanation for a death that came way too soon, to a wonderful, wonderful man. [Emma Ferguson was a patient of Dr. Riggs from age 15 until she reluctantly aged up at 22]
Kristie
November 12, 2019
Dr. Riggs treated my daughter for a few years. We traveled a few hours every year to see him. He was a kind and caring doctor. I was surprised and saddened to learn of his sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP Dr. Riggs
Hu family
November 7, 2019
We just heard of Dr. Riggs passing from mails. We are so sad to hear that.Dr. Riggs has been my daughter's doctor for over 7 years.May God bless him and his family.We will never forget him. RIP Dr. Riggs.
Brent Kane
November 4, 2019
My son was diagnosed as a T1D on Christmas Day 5 years ago. He's 19 now and still enjoyed remaining a patient of Dr Riggs. We traveled an hour each way even though there were endocrinologists closer than that because Dr Riggs was just that good. He had a way of inspiring young people like my son Alex to want to be compliant and responsible diabetic patients. He was an inspiration and a pleasure to deal with as both a patient or a parent. My family is deeply saddened by this news and send our love to his family.
Mandy Bolton
November 4, 2019
I just learned of Dr Riggs passing. My daughter Harper, 6, was diagnosed on Thanksgiving last year and he came home early from Thanksgiving, I understand, to see her in the hospital. He was absolutely wonderful and am so glad he was her Doctor and was there for her and us from Day 1. We were so blessed and fortunate to have saw him mid-September again. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Our family was definitely blessed by him!
October 31, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Riggs passing. He was a wonderful doctor to my son and we trusted him without question. He will be greatly missed by many.
-Jennifer Miller
Elise Ritchotte
October 30, 2019
I have been a patient of Dr. Riggs' (One of his first in the endocrinology department when it was still St. Vincent's children's hospital!) for almost 15 years now. After my diagnosis with type 1 in March of 2005, Dr. Riggs became a guiding light in my life. I will never forget his positive encouragement and support in every appointment. He is the reason diabetes doesn't overtake me, but fuels me. He watched me grow up and always made me feel like I was more than my diabetes. He is greatly missed by my family and I and he leaves a great legacy behind. I will miss seeing your smiling face in appointments. Thank you for continuing to see me even into my early 20's (I'm 21 now!) Haha.
Jennifer Whitehead
October 30, 2019
My family and I just heard of Dr. Riggs passing. We are so incredibly sad. He has been my daughters dr since she was diagnosed with diabetes at 4 years old. Shes almost 13 now. I could never thank him enough for all the support and care he gave to her and us over the last 8 years. To his family and friends, we send our deepest condolences. RIP Dr. Riggs. We will definitely miss seeing your smiling face.
Shannon Gomez
October 26, 2019
We had only seen Dr. Riggs 2 times after 6 yrs of figuring out what was going on with my son he was the one doctor who started him on thyroid medication and now my 10 yr old is almost back to normal! Thank you for everything you have done and we will miss you and I was very sad when I got the call from another of your colleagues! R.I.H.
Kay Ahrens
October 24, 2019
Dr Riggs was 2 of my son's doctor 1 had type 1 diabetes and the other one has thyroid disease he made my baby grow and be happy again he was always there for me when I needed him I don't know what I will do without him he was an amazing doctor fly high doctor riggs and watch over my boys
October 21, 2019
We only got to meet Dr.Riggs one time my son is type1 diabetic. So sorry to hear this.
When I was first diagnosed.
October 13, 2019
I will miss you so much Doctor Riggs.
Sara English
October 9, 2019
I'm just devastated by this. Dr. Riggs was my son Ryan's pediatric endocrinologist and he was an amazing man that did so much for Ryan and our family. He never rushed us, never made me feel less than as a diabetic parent, never left the room until all my questioned were answered and he was a constant advocate for kids with diabetes. He remembered us every time, he wasn't cold or unapproachable as some doctors can be, he was our family and we will sorely miss him.
Dr. Tamara Dickerson
October 8, 2019
May God bless his family- remember the great memories. Thank you Dr. Riggs for the commitment to our pediatric diabetic patients. You will be missed.
October 8, 2019
Dr. Riggs was my son Yusuf's specialist. He was very caring and attentive. Our condolences to his family.
Wendy Long
October 7, 2019
This is such a shock! Dr. Riggs was my daughter Kassidy's Endocrinologist, a great doctor and he will be missed.
Wendy and Kassidy Long
Brodrick Good
October 6, 2019
Dr. Riggs made a huge impact on my life. I was a patient of his starting off in 6th grade, and was around 4 ft 3 going into one of my first appointments with him. Dr. Riggs put me on growth hormone. As a freshman in high school, now I am 5 ft 3. Dr. Riggs is the reason I had grown so much, and it meant a lot to my family, and I. He truly was, and will forever be a hero.
Tonya Prifogle
October 6, 2019
My family is so incredibly sorry for the loss of Dr Andy Riggs. He saved the life of my daughter and saw her through to adulthood with her diabetes. He taught her and taught me. She is now grown and in college and strong partly due to his dedication.
Years later my medical needs son was seen by him and again he gave him his talents. We lost our son 8 months ago but due to Dr Riggs he had a year of greater energy and was able to do more than we thought he would ever do. We will never forget him and we will miss him.
Michael E. Ruff
October 6, 2019
It's just hard to believe...I've known Andy since he was a kid when our parents would get together for IU-Purdue games. Both our father's were pediatricians and that's what we chose as well. Andy was great to all my patients and one of the best consultants I've ever had the pleasure of working with. The tributes to him on these pages are amazing! Prayers and condolences to the Riggs family.
Justin Hall
October 4, 2019
I am very sorry to the Riggs family for your loss. Amazing man and father. He will be missed by many.
October 4, 2019
We're so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. We have many fond memories of him and your family. Our prayers go out for you.
Rick and Claire Beesley
Lynne Lanham
October 3, 2019
Lots of thoughts about Dr. Riggs but the most memorable was the day we left the hospital after my son being diagnosed with diabetes. He pulled an index card from his pocket and wrote down his cell phone number so that we could call if we needed him. Thank goodness I didn't have to use it but the comfort in knowing I could was priceless. Grateful we had him in our lives.
Angela Jones
October 3, 2019
A wonderful Dr & wonderful Man Prayers for his Family at this difficult time, Loved you Dr Riggs
Angela Jones
October 3, 2019
Dr Riggs was my sons Endo and continued to see him when he aged out of his practice as long as no adult issues came about & my son also has severe Autism & he was so kind & patient with him we are at a loss, we LOVE you Andrew Riggs like family!! you will never be forgotten & Thank you so much, May You Rest In Peace.
Love Seth Knox, Angela Jones & Rose Jones
Yvonne Burt
October 3, 2019
Dr. Riggs taught me so much. His passion for those living with diabetes was contagious. He was loved and will be missed
Mary Delaney
October 3, 2019
Dr. Riggs was my daughter's endocrinologist for many years. I didn't know him that well but I always thought he was such a kind and caring man. Based on many of the posts I have read I think my instincts were correct. My daughter has Down syndrome and he always took the time to speak directly to her instead of me. His sons and the rest of his family will be in my thoughts and prayers as I know it is an extremely difficult time. He will certainly be missed!
Diane Miller
October 3, 2019
Blade Moore and Family
October 3, 2019
Doctor Riggs was there for are family when my son was diagnosed over 2 years ago at age 8.. He was a very compassionate doctor MANY Children and their families and Thank Andy's Family For Sharing him with so many
and For all he has done with the DYFI to make the kids feel like they are a part thing and that there are others like them many many years to come!! FLY HIGH Dr. Andrew Riggs
Kristin Henriksen
October 3, 2019
Dr. Riggs attended to my twin daughters for the last 12 or 13 years. They're now 18 and as devastated as I am at hearing about his death. He was incredibly encouraging and was as attentive to the emotional toll diabetes inflicts on an entire family as he was to the physical health of the girls. He was compassionate and passionate, generous with his time and advise and extremely knowledgeable. He responded to numerous emails throughout the years, providing insightful, thoughtful answers to the questions I asked. My girls are heading off to college next year more confident about managing their diabetes and no doubt healthier because of Dr. Riggs. He will be dearly missed. Positive thoughts to his family. He was clearly very proud of his boys!
Permutt + Adler Labs picnic 06 24 1993
Cris Welling Brown
October 3, 2019
Andy was a dear friend and co-worker from years ago when he came to work in the Alan Permutt Lab at Washington University School of Medicine. We quickly became great friends as he joined my family for weekly Walley Ball games and other fun. We also enjoyed our time working together in the lab. He was a great researcher, always learning, teaching others and even from his days as a tech, wanting to help others. The fun, friendship and learning continued when Andy returned to St. Louis as a Post-Doc. I will miss Andy greatly! He was like another brother to me. Even though he returned to Indiana, we still kept in touch and I watched from afar as he became a wonderful Pediatric Endocrinologist and father. My heat goes out to his mother and family in their loss, may your memories of him comfort you. Rest in Peace with God, Andy! My prayers are with you all.
October 3, 2019
Dr. Riggs has taken care of our daughter since arriving to PMCH. He will be greatly missed!! Without his care and attention, not sure what we would have done. Love to Dr. Riggs and his family.
-- The Nickol family
October 3, 2019
Dr. Riggs was there right after my daughter was diagnosed. He was a great person that taught us so much, he gave us hope. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family and friends. He will be missed by many.
The Khan family
October 2, 2019
Dr. Riggs has taken care of all 3 of my children for the past 10 years. The time he spent with each of them to explain and answer questions together with his kind and compassionate nature, made him an exceptional physician. He will be missed by us all. We send our deepest condolences to the family and will keep them in our prayers at this difficult time.
October 2, 2019
He has been my son's diabetes physician for 13 years. He taught Ben so much and we his parents. He is a great doctor and like family to us. May God bless him and his family and all who he touched in his life. Rest In Peace with the Lord Dr. Riggs With Love, Schebler family
Michelle Lowe
October 2, 2019
He was my son's Diabetes Doctor for over 12 years. We will miss you dearly. RIP Doctor Riggs
Michelle & Kerrigan
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