Sunday, December 30, 2007

Christmas cards usually bring good news, this year...

When we were first married we lived in Bremerton, WA. He was our next door neighbor and the first to introduce my hubby to computers and it's parts. That was 1993. We got news this year that Jack passed away over a year ago.. He was a go getter and definately how I want to be when I grow old. Always on the go.

Aug.25, 1921 to Oct. 14, 2006
Veteran
Jack Dean Riggs, 85, of Bremerton died Saturday, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, to Ollie and Helen (Jensen) Riggs. He graduated from Bremerton High School in 1939 and married Muriel J. (Lund) Riggs on Aug. 8, 1942.
Mr. Riggs served in the Navy during World War II as Chief Radioman Second Class. Aboard Navy PBYs, he flew patrols from the Aleutian Islands and Tongue Point, Ore., on scouting missions over the Pacific to search for enemy ships. He was proud to have received the Air Medal and a letter of commendation from Admiral Chester Nimitz for his performance on a flight while searching for the Japanese Task Force on the stormy night before the Battle of Midway.
Mr. Riggs was an electronics technician for Bremerton National Airport for 39 years, where he maintained radio communication systems equipment, navigation equipment, and lighting. He also owned and operated "Riggs Radio and TV" a television repair business in his home during the ‘50s and ‘60s. After his retirement from Pacific Northwest Bell, he drove buses for the Central Kitsap School District.
He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Elks, Ham Radio Club, and Kitsap Track Club. He was a long-time amateur radio operator and communicated with most countries of the world. In more recent years he became interested in satellite communication and reflecting signals off the moon. He engineered and built a 30-foot Ham radio dish in his backyard.
As an athlete, Mr. Riggs was proud of being on a basketball team coached by Ken Wills for Bremerton High School. He also ran track and held the 880 county record for many years. He enjoyed entering 10 kilometer runs with his grandson and son-in-law.
As a grandfather, he enjoyed following his grandchildren's activities and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Muriel of Bremerton; daughter, Charlotte and her husband Ben Pedersen of Bremerton; grandchildren, Erik Pedersen and Anna Acker; great-grandchildren, Muriel Grace and Virginia Louise Acker; nieces Jeannie Owen of Florence, Ore., Joanie O'Neal of Grants Pass, Ore., Helen Schwartz of Bremerton, Susan Chaussee of Bremerton; and nephew, Dick Schwartz of Gig Harbor.
The memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 11th and Veneta, Bremerton. Donations: Donor's choice. Online memorial: www.rill.com.

4 comments:

Bob said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that 2008 brings good news and happiness and health to you and yours.
all the best, Bob

KC MO Garden Guy said...

I too am sorry to hear of your loss. He sounded like a very busy person while he was here with us. You can bet he is doing the same and more in heaven now.
I hope 2008 brings you all the wonderful things you deserve and more. Happy New Year!!

John said...

I'm sorry to hear about Jack. I hope you had a nice Christmas and New Year.

Shady Gardener said...

My sympathy. Thank you for sharing.