Bret Riggan

James "Bret" Riggan was born March 15, 1959 in Lakeview, Oregon, the first of three children born to James "Jim" Riggan and Barbara Nelson Hinkle, and passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Salmon, at the age of sixty-six years, eleven months and eleven days.

Bret spent his early years in Lakeview, Oregon and Jeffrey City, Nevada where is father was employed in the mining industry. At a young age, his family eventually moved back to Salmon where both his parents once lived, joining many relations. Family get togethers at the Baker Ranch with aunts, uncles and cousins were frequently enjoyed. During these years, he enjoyed a loving relationship with his Grandpa and Grandma Riggan. A very special bond developed with his "Grama" Riggan in later years that lasted until her passing in 2012.

He had a great love of animals at a young age, including a pig named Mary Ellen and a calf named Silver Bell. His favorite pets were dogs, the first being Mickey, followed by Smokey and Shorts. Throughout his life, Bret always had a dog by his side, including his faithful friend, Richard, to the very end.

Bret began his education in 1965, attending Salmon schools, graduating from Salmon High School with the class of 1977. In those early years after graduation, employment in construction and mining led him to Kansas, Washington, Oregon and California, working for various companies including Sawmill Construction, which was based in Salmon.

Employed by Ruen Core Drilling out of Clark Fork, Idaho, Bret became a core driller from 1979-1986, working various locations including Arnett Creek by Cobalt, Iron Creek up the Salmon River, Nabob Mine in Pine Hurst and Green Mountain near Lake View in Idaho, Turner Albright close to Cave Junction, Oregon, and White Sulphur Springs in Montana.

In 1989, he married Connie Ryan of Salmon, to which a son, James Clark (Jimmy) Riggan was born. In early 1990, Bret and his dad, Jim, developed a small gold mining business. They worked leased properties on Kirtley Creek and their private properties around the Gibbonsville area near Granite Mountain and the North Fork of the Salmon River for several years. Bret then was employed as the Water Treatment Plant Coordinator for Glencore Mining Company at the Cobalt Mine from 1996 until his death.

Friendships were an important part of Bret's life from childhood. Although some of them have passed, he was still blessed to be surrounded by very special people in his life. Bret loved the outdoors and the joys that it brought him, especially when spending times with his son, Jimmy and father, Jim. Many stories have been told of their adventures when hunting, fishing, and hiking. Living in Salmon with his family and friends, having conversations in a local pub, working outside on the job with nature, was the life that Bret loved, and that's exactly what he did.

Bret is survived by: son, Jimmy (Taylor) and grandson James Valentine Riggan of Salmon; special friend and companion, Kate Echols of Salmon; mother, Barbara Hinkle of Umatilla, Washington; sister, Bette (Con) Higley of Kennewick, Washington; stepmother, Debbie Riggan of Salmon; aunt, Susan (George) Blodgett of Salmon; nephews, nieces and cousins from the Ryan, Nelson, and Riggan families, along with the many friends in his life.

Those that preceded him in death include: his wife, Connie Riggan; father, Jim Riggan; stepfather, Kurt Hinkle; grandparents, Clark and Harriet Riggan and Hugh and LaVina Nelson; brother-in-law Kelly Ryan; and numerous uncles and aunts from immediate families.

A short program and luncheon will be offered at the Salmon Elks Lodge on Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Following the luncheon, graveside services will be held at the Wimpey Creek Ranch with Father Bob Perry officiating. Additionally, a Celebration of Life for Bret will be held the following day, Sunday, April 12th at 2:00, for a gathering of family and friends, hosted by the Lantern Bar in Salmon.

The family is thankful for the years we had with Bret, feeling comfort that he is now at peace, with those he loves.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Lemhi County Humane Society, 958 VFW Drive, Salmon, ID, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are being made by Jones & Casey Funeral Home and Crematory of Salmon.