Alan Rigby

On January 2, 2024, the world lost the most incredible man. Alan David Rigby of West Valley City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 54.
Alan was born on January 22, 1969, to Glen and Judy Rigby in Murray, Utah. These two wonderful people raised Alan to become the best person, husband, daddy, uncle, and friend. He spent his childhood in Taylorsville, Utah, building Legos, riding bikes, and playing with his friends. It was the 70s. After graduating from Taylorsville High School in 1987, Alan went on to study Environmental Earth Sciences at the University of Utah.
In the late 80s, Alan began working in the Department of Geology and Geophysics as an undergraduate, helping Thure Cerling study cosmogenic dating of the Lava Falls debris flow in the Grand Canyon. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995, he continued his career at the U and helped to build and manage the Noble Gas Lab, which he did for many years. He was the best tour guide for visiting groups and was surrounded by the most intelligent and dedicated people. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and created friendships that he treasured.
Alan met the love of his life and his best friend, Kristy, on May 24, 1986. Alan and Kristy married on August 1, 1991, and celebrated 32 years of marriage together. They have two amazing children, Maya (24) and Isaak (19), plus two dogs and seven cats. His children were his life. Every moment he had with them was an opportunity to make memories, learn, grow, laugh, and create a foundation to ensure their success and happiness in life.
Alan was the most amazing man. Everyone loved him from the moment they met him. He gave off a sense of security and trust that is difficult to explain. He could make anyone laugh and had the best sense of humor. And boy, he could talk, and his voice was so soothing to listen to. It also carried far and wide. He loved to talk about everything that was going on in his mind, which was always active. In his free time, Alan enjoyed trips to the family cabin, walking his dogs, napping (he could nap anywhere), organizing his tools and special things, reading about important events and random subjects, building Legos, talking to Maya and Isaak about what was happening in their life and in the world, and going anywhere and doing anything Kristy wanted. Most importantly, he made sure we felt loved by him every day. Oh, and was it mentioned that he loved to nap?
The moment Alan and Kristy started their lives together, they began their adventures and never stopped. In their early years, they backpacked, hiked, camped, ran rivers, and took road trips with their many friends. Their first home in West Valley City became their base camp. They gave this love of adventure to their children, spending all their time and money taking trips and going on outings as a family. These memories will be forever cherished.
Alan is survived by his loving wife Kristy, beautiful and passionate daughter Maya, son Isaak, who is so kind and giving, just like his daddy, and his future son-in-law Kyler Hall. He has a special bond with his mother, Judy, and is also survived by his sister Kris and brother Sean (Chery). Alan is also survived by Ron and Gloria Dowdle, Tracy and John Thompson, Kelli and Troy Noorda, Jeff and Lori Dowdle, Jimmy and Wendy Dowdle, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Glen, sister Sherrie, brother-in-law Russ Winkler, and twin daughters Anna and Leeah, who welcomed him into their arms.
If you would like to send flowers to celebrate Alan, we will gladly take them. We love flowers. Or you could do what Alan would do and use that money to create a memory for you and your family. Take your daughter to the mall, watch her try on as many clothes as she wants, tell her how beautiful she looks, buy her favorite one, get her a coffee and a bite to eat, and be sure to hold her purse. Take your son to the shooting range and rent the big guns, or take him to buy some new bait, go fishing, and patiently fix every snag, knowing you will not be the one fishing at that time. Tell your partner that you love them and how important they are to you every day, which doesn't cost anything.
The family wants to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. The impact Alan made on so many lives and the love everyone has for him is what is helping us get through this. Alan, we love you so much, will miss you every day, and are so thankful for the life you have given us. Your legacy will continue in us as we move forward and work to find a way to live without you by our side.
A celebration of Alan's life will be held on Friday, January 12 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe in South Jordan, Utah (1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy). Visitation with family will start at 10:00 am, followed by a memorial service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.