RIGGS, Roger Alan Roger was passionate. If you met Roger you remember Roger. A true-blue democrat. A fiery advocate for the "underdog". A truly talented artist. Roger was generous with all. Roger believed in justice, fairness, and equality for all. Roger proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years. He taught at Riverside High School from 1967 until 1992. He had his students register to vote as soon as they were eligible. Just vote. Vote for whom you choose. Be informed, however. He believed in education. Roger was a well-educated, well rounded person. He had an intense love of travel, music, and art. He was born January 31, 1935 to Whitman and Sylvia Riggs in Spokane; he passed away November 24, 2020. He is survived by his sister Mary Graybeal, niece Lisa Pakrul, niece Susan Graybeal (Martin) and nephew Jeff Riggs of California. Roger is survived by many cousins and other relatives and friends. He is also survived by Glenn Reid, his 56-year lifelong partner. A memorial will take place and be announced later due to the Trump virus.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Dec. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger RIGGS

13 Entries

Lisa Pakrul

December 23, 2020

Roger, my heart is broken. I have so many cherished memories of you throughout my life. You were so brilliant and the conversations we had about history and politics will be something that will be with me always. I was always so proud that you were my uncle. Your imagination, sense of humor and generosity will never be matched. You will always be a bright shining star. I am so grateful that I was able to be there with you in Spokane to help and spend time with you. Thank you for helping me to be a better person and for loving me. Lisa

Julie & Gary De Mello

December 22, 2020

We have such heavy hearts for the loss of our dear friend Roger. Yes Roger started out to be my favorite teacher, then he became my favorite friend, then my husband and kids favorite! Every trip back to Spokane included a stop at Roger and Glenn's. I will always cherish my wonderful memories of Roger with so much laughter!!
I am very blessed to have 2 paintings by The Roger Riggs hanging in our home. Roger was the Best!
Love and miss you Roger,

Washington State

December 18, 2020

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

Debbie

December 15, 2020

Mr. Riggs was my teacher at Riverside. I always thought he was so worldly and sophisticated. One of my best memories was when he asked me for my spaghetti sauce recipe when he was having the great opera soprano Patrice Munsel as a dinner guest. Thank you Mr. Riggs for the invaluable lessons on being an informed voter and that we all should do our due diligence and research each issue and candidate before voting. My heartfelt condolences to his partner Glenn and family.

Lori

December 15, 2020

One of my most favorite teachers ever.
I loved your passion, sense of humor and making sure we educated ourselves about the world around us. Every time I vote I think if you Mr. Riggs. You made a great impact on my life. Thank you. Much love to you and your family.

Lori Gebhardt-Atwood

Cami Miller

December 14, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with Glenn, the family, the friends and all who knew and loved Roger.
So sad!!! I loved Mr. Riggs!! Fantastic person and one of the best teachers ever. I was a teachers assistant for him and loved every day!!! The last sentence in his obit is sooo him.
Rest in Paradise Mr. Riggs, we will see you again!

Cami Miller

December 14, 2020

Laura S

December 14, 2020

I never got to be in one of his classes but Mr. Riggs was a great influence and was my brothers favorite teacher. We were new in Washington and the school system had not adjusted my brothers credits which made him have to repeat senior year; I totally believe it was Mr. Riggs that kept Keith from giving up and just leaving. Keith was always telling mom and me how Mr. Riggs' class was the best and Mr. Riggs an inspiration.

Rita Seines

December 13, 2020

Roger..."Mr. Riggs" was a dynamic teacher. His intelligence, talents and worldly humor enlightened decades of students. In retrospect, Riverside High School was remote and limited in influences back in the 70's. He offered educational opportunities in his classes that reached well beyond art and history. Even looking back at opinions shared by Roger, with the caution of a rural educator, I recognize his honorable purpose today. I salute a unique educator and gentleman.

Joan Azevedo

December 13, 2020

Roger was a long time friend of my parents Gary and Marilyn. He was family. I have so many wonderful memories of being with Roger and Glenn throughout my entire life. You will be missed. Love you always.

Mike r Hargreaves

December 13, 2020

Roger was my Dads Bob Hargreaves best friend from elementary school through is whole life, he came to lots of holiday dinners and was a great story teller he would have the whole family laughing . he would be missed . Mike Hargreaves

Leslie Segi

December 13, 2020

I am so sorry for the loss of Roger and want to extend my sympathy and condolences to Glenn and the family. Roger was my dad's great friend throughout his life and became a great friend with my mom when they met also. My dad Bob Hargreaves met Roger at Lewis & Clark High School. Roger you were loved will be missed in this world.

December 13, 2020

Did not know you, but you sound like a wonderful man.

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