Longtime Standardbred owner and enthusiast Dennis Melville Riggin of Kincardine, Ont. passed away on Saturday, April 2 surrounded by his loving family at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, located in Kincardine, just nine days shy of his 80th birthday.
Beloved husband and soul mate of Shirley (née Workman). Devoted father of Larry and Sue of London, Pat and Charlene of London, Barb and Phil Potter of Exeter and Colleen and Donna of London. Proud grandfather of Lauren, Brendan, Alex, Erin, Dayna (Curt), Mac (Alyssa), Katey, Will, Evan, and Ryan. Cherished great-grandfather to Addison, the twinkle of his eye. Dennis was the son of the late Mel and Dickie (née Brown) Riggin of Kincardine and big brother of Sally (Ray Boileau) of Brantford, Mike (Helen Quinn) of Midland, Margie (Jake Baylis) Chatham, and Dave of Goderich. Brother-in-law to Alice Smith of Toronto and Joan Jones (the late Bill) of Caledonia. Also missed by many nieces and nephews.
First Period: Left home at age 14 to join the Detroit Red Wings Organization and has been a faithful Alumnus ever since. Second Period: Loved life to the fullest in a 30-year career with Molson’s in London and Toronto where he made quite an impression on the business communities. Third Period: Retired to Kincardine “where you truly are a stranger only once.” Dennis had an easy smile and quick wave for all that passed his way. He was always willing to give of himself to the community, charities and had a never-ending support of the underdog. Overtime: Sincere thanks to Dr. Gary Gurbin and the medical team at South Bruce Grey Health Centre who repeatedly performed medical miracles and provided world-class care over the past decade.
A wake to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held at Ainsdale Golf Course in Kincardine on Thursday, April 7, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Joe Kool’s in London on Tuesday, April 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Memorial donations to Kincardine Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, 757 Princes St., Kincardine, ON, N2Z 1Z5, (519) 396-2701.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dennis Riggin.
Dear Dennis For as long
Dear Dennis
For as long as I've known you, you have been one of the gentlest, kindest, most generous people I've had the pleasure to know!!! Your moving on is not only a loss to family and friends but a blow to those that had the pleasure to have had anything at all to do with you!! From your community efforts to the people who you drove to small town airports driving like mad to get me there on time
In reply to Dear Dennis For as long by Jody Jamieson
Condolences to the Riggin
Condolences to the Riggin Family. Dennis was one of those fellas that made the world a better place. Rose/Sonny Jewitt
Very sorry to hear this. You
Very sorry to hear this. You could never meet a nicer guy than Dennis Riggin. Always friendly and cheerful, he would brighten up everyones day who was with him. He will be greatly missed.