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Thomas Riggs Obituary
Santa Fe, New Mexico:
"Seek the wilderness, for there is peace"- Tom Brown, Jr.
Age 56, Tom Riggs passed over to the Spirit world on December 24th peacefully at home in the Ortiz mountains outside of Cerrillos, NM. He was preceded in death by his mother, Adrienne Clarkson. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Chauncey-Riggs; his mother in law, Hope Hirschman; his father and step-mother, James and Karen Riggs; his daughter Aurora Park-Riggs and granddaughter Danica; his daughter Haylee Park-Riggs and grandson Aiden and granddaughter McKenna; his sisters Laura Montoya (Eli) and Caraigh Clarkson; his brothers, James Riggs (Sue) and Brant Riggs.
Tom was born on July 27, 1953 in Albuquerque, NM. After graduating from the Rochester School for the Deaf in NY, Tom moved out West where he received a degree in Environmental Studies at the Metropolitan State College in Denver. His fascination with language led way to his Masters in Linguistics from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Tom was most recently the director of the American Sign Language/Interpreter Preparation Program at Santa Fe Community College. He held the same position at Phoenix College and prior to that was ASL faculty at Arizona State University, Colorado University and Front Range Community College. Tom also held a CDI, Certified Deaf Interpreter, from RID, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Professional Certification from ASLTA, American Sign Language Teachers Association.
Tom has received many awards and recognitions from various teaching /interpreting/Deaf organizations and was most recently awarded the Deaf Leadership Award for NM from Hamilton Relay.
Tom and his family would like to give a special thanks to Tom Chauncey, Mike and Kathy Lord, MaryAnn Waddell for their loving care and also to Tupper Dunbar and James Woodenlegs for being his spiritual leaders.
Tom was a wealthy man in terms of the hundreds of friends he had all over the country. He was loved by many and he loved deeply. He was a generous, big-hearted man to all his family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all.
A private memorial service will be held at Tom and Bonnie's home in NM on January 3, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. For further information: [email protected] 480-375-5240. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to ASLTA c/o Treasurer, P O Box 20823, St. Petersburg, FLA 33742.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Riggs
Jim Sullivan
February 2, 2022
So sad to hear of Tom's passing. I grew up with him in Rochester back in day and he was such a special person. I regret not keeping in touch with him over the years.
David Aranda
January 26, 2010
Bonnie,
He is a role model for us all. As you know, he helped founded the ASLTAC and was active in the Deaf Community in Colorado. Our best wishes for you and your family.
Robert thurlow
January 13, 2010
Bonnie
I know him at rsd good group class 73. He had always help good care deaf poeple. Because he had a smile to me and other too. I remeber him never forget as long time. Now i pray for tom peace in rest.
Yvette Marley
January 10, 2010
Tom was one of my instructors in the PInES (Program for Interpreters in Educational Settings). When I lacked confidence, he buoyed my spirits and always found the positives in my work, encouraging me to continue with my studies. When tired from focusing on challenging academic ideas, he made me laugh and opened the door to my education just a little bit further…as all good teachers do…by clarifying yet another puzzling concept. While educating his students, he made us see the humor in everyday events. He emanated strength and goodwill…wrapped in a tall gentle package.
I weep for his family’s friends’ students’ and colleagues’ loss at his passing. I also rejoice that I reaped the benefit of his kind and humorous heart that always accompanied him both in and out of the classroom. I give my sincerest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know him. My heart goes out to his family.
Abby Anderson
January 10, 2010
I'm proud to say Tom was one of my teachers at FRCC. Good memories =) He'll be missed. Bonnie, my thoughts are with you.
Bill Charma, Sr.
January 10, 2010
Tom,
Never forget our sport teams together at RSD. Lots of fun hanging out. You were a cool guy I've met you. I also believe in Indian spirits like you. May you rest in peace.
Pat Charma-Greeno
January 10, 2010
Bonnie,
I've always remembered that Tom was a laid-back guy at RSD. Began to get to know him more better when we graduated at the same year in 73. You were very fortuned to have him in your life. I've read the comments on your both fb...you both seemed very happy couples. Bless you both. My deepest condolences to Tom's family and you. May Tom rest in peace.
Blake and Jodi Newman
January 8, 2010
Tom, we are so sorry that you are gone as we were stunned..... but glad that you are now in peace with the LORD... better than being suffering...thru cancer... we are missed him truly... We do agree with those people who described about him and his life...such as he was so kind, friendly, wonderful and marvelous person we ever had met him... we knew him since my wife, Jodi and I were in SVP'73 as same time as he was in SVP '73, too at NTID/RIT...
Oh, Bonnie we do appreciated that you informed us about him passed away on Dec. 24th last week... we give you our sympathy and condolences..... you and family all are in our prayers...we truly miss him .... we give you our love and hugs... Remember Jesus always love you all and now he is with Tom..... We believe Tom's spirit always be with you and family...
Irene Ruiz
January 7, 2010
I worked with Tom briefly on some curriculum changes that were needed and found his humor uplifting, especially with regards to the detailed processes related to curriculum development. It was an honor to know him.
L Price
January 7, 2010
Tom was very influential in my life. I met his when I attended Front Range Community College. His amazing sense of humor touched me. I still remember some of his stories. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
January 6, 2010
Tom was one of our teachers in the PInES program in California. He was such a tremendous teacher and person. When I was struggling with ASL, he made me forget that and see the language so clearly. I loved his kindness and enjoyed his humor and quick smiles. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Kit Niehans (Bishop, CA)
Janet Lurz Gutner
January 5, 2010
Tom was a childhood friend I came to know when spending summers at our family cottage on Lake Ontario. What an accomplished man he became who clearly contributed so much in his life. My heart, prayers and deepest sympathy extend to his wife and family including his Dad and Step Mom (our close family friends, Jim and Karen Riggs).
Walida Green
January 4, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Tom when he asked for me to join his hiring committee at Phoenix College. He was full of life and had a great sense of humor. He will truly be missed.
susan wolter
January 2, 2010
sorry to hear about tom's passed away , he is in father's hands now, we will remember him in rest of our life he was so wonderful student at rsd. he never got into troubles with students , we all love him and real deeply miss him with his smiles all the times. god bless tom and your family, from susan (angst) wolter batavia ny
Fatima Silvestre
January 2, 2010
I met Tom at New Mexico when I was there for vacation.. we had our breakfast together and discussed about the business..he was kind man who would make the time. Such a nice man. Fatima
Claire Postlethwaite
January 2, 2010
I knew Tom from CU Boulder where I saw some of his ASL poetry. His poems were so skilled and inspiring. Please give my condolences to the family.
Rhonda Champion
January 1, 2010
Tom was so big in life, it hard to imagine that death could touch him. I met Tom in the 1980's while in the ITP at Front Range. His workshops were wonderful and he was so patient when helping Arvada Center Shadow interpreters make the words come to life for the deaf audiences. When he left Colorado, we all missed him terribly, but no matter how long he was gone, when he returned for workshops or other events, if he spotted you across the room, the gleam in his eyes and the sincere smile on his face warmed the heart. God Bless and Speed, Tom.
Christopher Playford
January 1, 2010
Tom, May you be at Peace and Soar with the eagles. My condolences to the family both blood and extended.
Chris Playford
December 31, 2009
Tom was an incredible gift to the interpreting and Deaf communities. We were so blessed to have had his humor, talent, teaching, caring and mentoring in our lives. His spirit lives on in the many, many lives he touched over the years. Bonnie, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love from the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) Board of Directors: Brian Morrison, Cindy Farnham, Carolyn Ball, Cindy Volk, Laura Braucht, Leslie Greer, Annette Miner, Suzanne Ehrlich, Myrelis Aponte-Samalot
Bill H
December 30, 2009
I did not know him but I am sorry
Doni Patterson
December 30, 2009
Tom,
Thank you for sharing your love for life and our precious language, ASL, with us all! You were truly a teacher.
You will be missed!
Mary Kay Campanaro-Reynolds
December 30, 2009
I'm very sorry about the loss of Tom, our friend from RSD. He was such a wonderful & cool guy and so many people will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ May God Bless ~
Susan Flesher
December 30, 2009
Tom I miss him. He was a student of RSD that I graduated with him. He is so nice man ever I know. I am sorry your loss. I love him and really miss him. His spiritual is everywhere what you feel of him.
Susan Flesher, Class of 1973 RSD
Doni Cosby
December 30, 2009
Tom, you have taught us all so much, and your quest for life is contagious. We all hope to achieve even half of what you have achieved in your life. You will be very much missed by everyone. May God bless your wife Bonnie and your family as they cope with their loss.
Bill and Doni
Shawn & Lisa Roach
December 30, 2009
Bonnie and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You both brought so many good things to our neighborhood (paint). Words cannot express how grateful we are that Tom was part of our lives.
Gail Baker
December 30, 2009
As others have said, Tom will be remembered for his great sense of humor . . but most of all. . he was real and honest . he taught us (interpreters) so much about the deaf community. .We loved his stories during class. . they were much better than whatever was on the agenda for the day. . . he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Gail Baker, Littleton cO
Gail Baker
December 30, 2009
As others have said, Tom will be remembered for his great sense of humor . . but most of all. . he was real and honest . he taught us (interpreters) so much about the deaf community. .We loved his stories during class. . they were much better than whatever was on the agenda for the day. . . he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
donna neri
December 30, 2009
tom..your journey on this earth is over and the other side of earth now needs you.. may the spirit be with you.. and i adore you for your love of indians spirit.. i learn and like that kind of spirt (i went on a lovelife hike...) thanks for being YOU!
Kathy Randolph
December 30, 2009
Tom was the kind of person that touched your heart and life with everything he did. I will never forget the heart warming and funny stories he would tell. He truly was an inspirational and amazing person. I feel very privileged to have known him. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jeanine Roybal
December 29, 2009
May Tom's family find peace in knowing that Tom lives on in many hearts and minds. His touch still lingerings in the work of many interpreters and I am one.
Sorry for your loss,
Mary Love
December 29, 2009
Tom's legacy of his loving life and vibrant ASL poetry, teaching and inspiring all in his path lives on! Tom's deeply held spiritual beliefs now guide him on this next part of his journey. Blessings to his family! Mary Love, O'ahu, Hawaii
Lance McWilliams
December 29, 2009
Tom was a trailblazer of the ASL language, in harnessing the power of language and bending it to his will to do as he wished through his hands. My prayers are with the family experiencing this.
Diana Riford
December 29, 2009
Tom will be remembered by his wonderful sense of humor in the classroom.
December 29, 2009
Am sorry for the loss. It is a sad day for all sign language teachers who have learned so much from Tom.
David and Carmela Aranda
Amy Seiberlich
December 29, 2009
Tom was someone who touched the hearts of everyone whose paths crossed his. I am no exception. I am blessed to have journeyed with him for even a short time. His story telling, humor, huge heart and warm smile will live inside me always.
Marie/Don Cacciatore
December 29, 2009
Tom was the great leader of the Deaf community. We were fortunately to know him as an inspirational person. God bless him.
December 29, 2009
Friend. Teacher. Mentor. Tom will be greatly missed by many in Colorado. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Ali Boyle Boulder, Co
Dawnena Rodriguez
December 29, 2009
Thomas Riggs was an amazing individual who could LOVE.. He has exhibited patience through his students and friends. He helped me put on ASL colored lenses and see Deaf world through his eyes. I didn't know who I was until I met him. I was blessed to have worked with him at CU-Boulder. See you on the other side -ráruksu', Skidi brother.. God be with you during the time of sorrow and celebration of Tom's life.. Thank you for letting us be a part of it..
Ilise Gordon-Meyers
December 28, 2009
I am deeply saddened that the world has lost such a bright light. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and all of the many students he guided with his gentle teaching. He will be deeply missed.
Ilise Gordon-Meyers former student of Tom's.
Ken/Diana Eurek
December 28, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Watkins
December 28, 2009
bonnie, we all in colorado will miss him very much and he was a great, wonderful person i met and you are lucky to be married to him. we all love him and have great memories about him. i'm sorry to hear that and hope you and your family heal the grief. take care.
Susan Watkins (Denver, Colorado)
Donna J. Nelligan-Barrett
December 28, 2009
I am very sorry about the loss of Tom, our friend from Rochester School for the Deaf days. He has always had a smile on his face for everyone . He will be sorely missed and may peace be with you from this day on. My condolences also go out to the family.
Barbara J. Gately
December 28, 2009
I m sorry hear that loss of Thomas Riggs. My thoughts and my prayers are sorrow with deepest sympathy. In the loss of your loved ones this time of remmembrance belongs to you loved ones
as he belongs to eternity. I know Tom is a great guy so sweet and so cool guy. I know I met Tom in Boulder, Colorado everywhere for a long time ago. Also my cousin , Debbie died of complaicated cancer as same age 56 years old last Aug 24th , 2009 it is very close. My prayer ...Tom is going to heavens... I miss him so much. Love, Barbara J. Gately
carol kallish
December 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 28, 2009
"Each person is in our lives for a reason and that reason always has to do with love". Tom is loved, alot.
Norma and Jane (Flagstaff, AZ)
December 28, 2009
"Each person is in our lives for a reason and that reason always has to do with love". Tom is loved, alot.
Norma and Jane (Flagstaff, AZ)
Mary Lou Castellano
December 28, 2009
Bonnie, My Prayer and sympathy to Tom's family. I had a wonderful former rommates with Tom, Ann Cooley, Jim Murphy abd Gueral Wyss in Arvada, Colorado(Denver), Never forgetten about the Aspen mountain when hiking a mountain suddenly avalanched rock sliding hit my head unconscious on July 3,1977, He HERO helped me. And learned ASLTA too. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Lou Castellano(Cardillo)
Becky Terpak
December 28, 2009
Bonnie and family
sorry to hear about tom riggs and i know he is so sweet guy and nice man. we pra y for u and ur family and tom's family . he is wonderful guy .
take care ,Becky, Ron Terpak
Whitneypoint , ny
Dorothy M Wilkins
December 28, 2009
May the Great Spirit with you always, Tom. Tom, one of my RSD brothers & sisters, I always will remembered him as a laid-back guy who enjoying life. I had the opportunity to work with him when we served as ASLTA board members. He was well-respected in the field of ASL, Deaf Cultural Studies and interpreting. Now, he s a distinguished man with a native american spirit who I will remember him always! Namaste to you.
E. Lynn Jacobowitz
December 28, 2009
Tom, you'll be in our hearts, minds and souls! May you enjoy the eternity of great spirits! The members and officers of ASLTA appreciate your dedication to the field of ASL and Deaf Studies. You will be admirably missed by us! Bless you with our love.
Gina DiNicola
December 28, 2009
I m really sympathy to my former roomate Tim Riggs in Denver, Colorado when I moved to live with him and his girlfriend Ann Cooley in March 1977 Tim was very sweet person Tim and I chat very nice I got job in Denver I appreciated him to let me to stay at his home for awhile then I found a place to live.. I never forget about him..
DIANE FRANCISCO
December 28, 2009
THIS IS DIANE FRANCISCO OF SPOKANE , WASHINGTON I REMEMBER HIM AT RSD WHEN HE WAS CHILD AND GROWN UP AT RSD IN YEARS WHICH I TAKE CARE OF HIM ,,, HE IS GREAT MAN I KNOW ,,
December 27, 2009
You will be missed. I'm glad I had the opportunity to chat with you on few things about classes for my husband to take up. You have inspired many students and friends in many ways. Bonnie was so blessed to have you in her life. My prayers and thoughts are with you Bonnie and your family. Kip Seiler-Ketchum, Peoria, AZ.
Betti Bonni
December 27, 2009
Tom, my old NTID friend, and one of the first to welcome me to Boulder when I came out there for the ASL Linguistics program. I have very much enjoyed working with you all those summers at the DO IT Center. You will leave a full and rich legacy. Blessings on your journey. Deep condolences to the family he leaves behind.
Betti Bonni
Jennie Choate
December 27, 2009
Tom,
You truly are a beautiful soul. I will always remember your smile and your passion for life. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. May you rest in peace. \|"/
Tracy Quinlan
December 27, 2009
Tom touched the lives and hearts of many, and his loss will be deeply mourned as well as celebrated by those he has left behind. Tom was open-minded and accepting of everyone, and he was so encouraging to his students. Thank you, Tom, for everything you taught me. I hope I do you proud.
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