Robert Williams Rigg, Sr.
Marriages
Roberta Orchard
Karen Forster
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6 B Obituary - August 27, 2014
Dr. Robert Williams Rigg, Sr.
December 1, 1930 - August 23, 2014
Dr. Robert Williams Rigg, Sr., passed away on August 23, 2014, surrounded by his wife and children.
Bob was born on December 1, 1930, and spent his life in the Grand Valley and Alaska. Bob and his brother, Jim, set a speed record in 1951 rowing a wooden cataract boat through the Grand Canyon in two and a half days. Bob was one of the first river guides on the Colorado River and an early skier on Aspen Mountain. He graduated from University of Colorado School of Medicine, practiced ophthalmology and was an Aviation Medical Examiner until the end of his life. He was passionate about medicine, but continued to work because he loved visiting with his patients.
The most important thing in Bob’s life was family. He was married to Roberta Orchard with children, Robert Jr., Billy, Jill, Jeff, Julie and Sarah. He later married Karen Forster, his eternal love of 40 years, with children, Brett, Taber and Regan. He has 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with four more on the way (that we know of).
Bob’s favorite saying was “This Is Living!” while on a fun adventure.
He loved skiing, flying airplanes, riding horses, fishing, hunting, watching football, taking grandchildren on tractor rides, eating vanilla ice cream and sleeping on the couch.
Bob was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bob had a huge heart, unconditional love and just wanted everyone to eat fudge and be happy.
On August 30, 2014, a viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m., and memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel on 2542 G Rd, Grand Junction, followed by a burial at Orchard Mesa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the District 51 Foundation, – d51foundation.org.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3 D Obituary - August 28, 2014
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 7 B Death Notice - August 29, 2014
Dr. Robert Williams Rigg Sr., 83, Fruita, died Aug. 23, 2014, at HopeWest & Hospice Care Center.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by services at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2542 G Road. Burial will follow at Orchard Mesa Cemetery.
Dr. Rigg was an ophthalmologist and aviation medical examiner.
Survivors include wife Karen L.; four sons, Jeff of Grand Junction, Brett of Pinetop, Arizona, Taber of Geneva, Illinois, and Robert Jr. of Calabasas, California; four daughters, Jill Johnson of Park City, Utah, Julia Splan of Salt Lake City, Sarah Walton of San Diego, and Regan Rigg-Gibson of Sedona, Arizona; 28 grandchildren;
and 17 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the District 51 Foundation at d51foundation.org.
