Robin Loy Riggs' Obituary
Robin Loy Riggs unexpectedly passed away while recuperating from back surgery on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. He was born May 10, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Elvin Loy “Al” Riggs and Cleo Judd Riggs. He was the third of five children. His parents and two siblings, Randall Riggs and Valerie (Ashot) Abramyan, preceded him in death. He was beloved by all.
Robin was raised in Salt Lake City where he attended East High School. After graduating, he was at home watching football one Sunday when Bishop Talbert knocked on the door and invited him to serve a mission. Robin accepted the invitation and started reading the Book of Mormon that evening. He served an honorable mission to France and Belgium for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On his mission, he gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the restored gospel which brought him his greatest joy.
He graduatedmagna cum laude with a BA in English from the University of Utah and earned a MPA andlaw degree from Brigham Young University. He served as Associate General Counsel in the Utah State Legislature and was later appointed as General Counsel to Governor Leavitt where he gained many life-long friends. After leaving Governor Leavitt’s office, he worked as a lobbyist with his good friend Rob Jolly and was universally liked, a rare achievement in the profession.Later he worked as President of Qwest for Utah and Executive Vice President of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. More recently, he partnered in a variety of business ventures using the skills and relationships he had cultivated over the years. Many from the political and business sector knew him as a respectful and admirable man.
While he had many career successes, his crowningachievement was his family. He brought kindness and encouragement to all who knew him, giving support and guidance to his nieces and nephews through his bachelor years. At age 51, Robin met and married his eternal companion, Patricia Paulsen, and embraced her children, Parry (Angela), Peter, Ellie, and Hans, as his own. God blessed Robin and Patricia’s union with precious jewels—twins Annie Pearl and Ruby Hope in 2007. Last year Robin celebrated the birth of his first grandchild, Ezra Harrison.
Robin was well known for his humility, positivity, work ethic, wonderful sense of humor, and musicality. He learned the piano as a child, sang with the East High Madrigals, the UofU A Capella Choir, the Sterling Singers community choir, faithfully participated in many church choirs, and now sings in the Heavenly Choir.
He is survived by his sisters Kimberlie (Cameron) Hess and Shellie Riggs, his sister-in-law LeAnne Riggs, his wife Patricia and their six children, many nieces and nephews whom he adores, and many extended family members.
A viewing will be held at the LDS chapel at 2130 E. Gyrfalcon Dr. (10000 So.), Sandy on Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 6-8:00 pm and on Monday, November 2, 2015 from 10:30-11:30, with funeral services to follow at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a memorial fund for funeral expenses. Donations can be made to the Robin L. Riggs Donation Fund through Zions Bank or atwww.plumfund.com/memorial-fund/robin-l-riggs-memorial-fund
Patricia expresses her deep appreciation for the competent and compassionate care Robin received from the medical professionals who cared for him during recent weeks.
We Love you Robin
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