It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, Richard Peter Rigey, age 64, on January 14, 2017.
Left to cherish his memory are Maija, his loving wife of 43 years; daughter Mailis (Jana); sons Matthew (Jenn) and Mark (Sylvia); grandchildren Jude, Maximus and Leonardo; mother Margaret; brother Bob (Josie); sister Pat, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his father Peter.
Richard was born on March 6, 1952 in Dryden, Ontario. His early years were spent playing hockey, fishing in the Wabigoon, and listening to his father’s records on the record player. As a youngster he studied piano with Rena Fotheringham. He didn’t like to practice; but, the music moved him. At the age of 15, Craig Fotheringham put a bass guitar in his hands and said “play it”. Hence began his life-long passion for making music. With Craig’s encouragement they formed a band, the Shades of Blue, with Guenther Thiel, Dale Ripley, and Anne Shaw, along with Byron O’Donnell, rock and rolling their way through High School. Many years later the band decided to regroup and held reunions in 2000 and 2005 and in 2010 played for Dryden’s Centennial. The Dryden boys have remained strong and faithful buds!
In 1972, Richard moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he played in various bands. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle along the winding country roads, spending many hours following back roads, and getting lost. One day he caught the eye of a young waitress, but, he was too shy to talk much. On May 13th of 1973, he offered her a ride on his bike. She accepted, and the rest is history. They married on April 13th, 1974.
In 1974 he met Al Andrusco, who offered him a spot in his band, and so began a lifelong bond of friendship. Over the years they played in various lounges, did road trips and entertained many enthusiastic audiences. The Al Andrusco Trio was a force to be reckoned with. Al and Richard remained the constants in an ever-evolving trio. Paul Pododworny put up with their shenanigans for many years, and often joined in. Together, they watched their families grow and supported one another throughout life’s ups and downs. What a ride!
Along with being a musician, Richard also pursued his Electrical license and worked at Alpine Electric from 1983 to 1999. In 1999, he took a position with Province of Manitoba. He had a strong work ethic, and was well-respected among his peers. His quiet disposition and dedication to his job was admirable. Richard remained with the Province of Manitoba until he became ill.
The family would like to thank all of Richard’s friends and family for the support he received throughout his illness, and the ER staff at Selkirk Hospital for their compassionate and professional care.
Richard Rigey was motorcycle rides
into the aurora borealis.
He was fishing line in the bluest lake
and nights by the bonfire,
winking back at stars and fireflies.
He was the calm in the storm,
the quiet amidst the chaos.
But, sometimes he was very loud naps on the couch,
the snoring master of the remote control who
never made it through a whole movie in his life.
He was an armchair politician who
never met a conspiracy
he didn’t at least halfway believe.
He was hilarious anecdotes dropped like bombs,
always with an impish grin.
He was Shades Of Blue, and two thirds of a trio.
He was THE bass line, the smoothest jazz,
the soundtrack to friend’s and family’s lives.
Sometimes he was eggs with red hot chili peppers,
slightly burnt toast with raspberry jam,
strong coffee (one cream, one sugar),
shuffling slippers and a
ratty old bathrobe.
He loved mean cats, dumb dogs,
poofy winter chickadees and nuthatch acrobatics,
but he loved his family best.
And boy, did we love him back.