John Herbert Riggs

John Herbert Riggs, 67, passed away June 28, 2014, on the Copper River fishing with his beloved brother, Ed Riggs and cousin, Luther Horsley. As he was “slaying the reds” he collapsed and never regained consciousness.

He is survived by his life long love of 45 years, Cheryl Riggs; his daughter, Stephanie Smith and son-in-law, Todd Smith; grandchildren, Sawyer and Kaden; his daughter, Niki Reed and son-in-law, Dan Reed; grandchildren, Lindsey, Lauren and Gavin. He was called Uncle John, friend, adviser, One Shot John and the Gobbler.

In 1979 John hauled the family up the Alaska Highway, settled in the Valley living every great outdoorsman’s dream. He spent the next 35 years hunting, fishing, flying and showing anyone who wanted to tag along the Alaska experience.

John and Cheryl worked side by side at Great Northern Engineering for 32 years. John loved being an engineer and working with great employees, many of who looked to John as a second father. John was a die-hard Beaver, graduating from Oregon State University in 1976, and loved going to watch football games. Go Beavs!

A celebration of life is at 11 a.m., July 3 at Wasilla Bible Church, Thursday. A reception will follow at the church. A second graveside service is planned at 11 a.m., July 10 at the Bonanza Memorial Park Cemetery, in Oregon. Reception to follow at the Bonanza Park; please bring a lawn chair.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Alaska's Healing Hearts, P.O. Box 876061, Wasilla, AK 99687. Find them online at alaskashealinghearts.com.