In Memory

Dennis Riggs

DENNIS RIGGS OBITUARY

Oct. 29, 1943 ~ Feb. 28, 2015
Dennis Riggs passed away surrounded by family and friends after many years struggling with complications of diabetes, kidney failure, Charcot foot, and macular degeneration. Dennis was born is Salt Lake City to Don Fitzgerald and Virginia Heilbut Riggs. When he was three years old, his family moved to Provo, where he lived until moving his young family to Orem in 1975. Dennis graduated from Provo High School in 1960 and joined the Army 1961 and was trained as a medic at Fort Ord, CA and Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. It was during his time in the Army that he received his enduring nickname "Boggs." He served as an LDS missionary in the Central German Mission from 1963-1965. He taught hundreds of missionaries at the Language Training Mission from 1965-1969. Dennis attended BYU and received a BA in German. He furthered his graduate work in humanities with and emphasis on medieval gothic architecture. 
On June 16, 1970, Dennis married Sydney Samuelson of Orem in the Salt Lake Temple. Dennis and Sydney worked for Bullock & Losee Jewelers. He served as manager of both the Provo and University Mall stores. In 1980, Dennis opened his own gift and jewelry store, Riggs & Co. in Orem. In 1985, he opened D. C. Riggs, Ltd. in SLC, followed by Christmastime and D.C. Riggs, Ltd. expansions from So. California to Idaho. 
In 1992, he began a complete career change, went back to BYU in a pilot program for elementary educators. He taught 2nd grade at Manila Elementary in Pleasant Grove for 11 years. He was awarded the PTA Golden Apple award by Gov. Leavitt in 2000. He taught 5th grade at Lindon Elementary until he was forced to retire early because of his health. On February 22, 2001, Dennis was given a life-saving kidney donation from his youngest sister, Terri. 
Dennis is survived by his sisters Kathy (Lynn) Wright, Patricia (Dennis) Riches, Debbie (Graham) Bullick, and Terri (Steve) Proctor, his children Heather Riggs of Orem, Adrian (Taaga James) Young of Las Vegas, NV, Katharine (Elliott) Hansen of SLC, and Timothy Riggs of Orem, beloved grandchildren Sydney James and Berkley Maddison Young and Quincey Kate and Jonah Riggs Hansen, and his beloved dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sydney, and many beloved creatures. 
Viewings will be held Friday, March 6, 6:00-8:00 pm at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem and Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel 1050 East 200 North Orem, followed by funeral services at 10:00 am. Internment following services at Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com



 
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07/19/22 01:08 PM #1    

Robert Y Valentine

Allen White suspects that Dennis actually graduated in 1960 with our class.  


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