Obituary of Milton L. Riggs

Riggs, Milton L. Jr. Age 83. Passed away February 16, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Pegi (Marjorie) for 56 years. Dear father of Bonnie (Richard) Fix, Jeffrey, Stephen (Kimberleigh) and Robin (Gary) La Tourette. Loving grandfather of his cherished Mariah. Brother of Millicent and the late Marian. Also survived by eleven nieces, nephews and their families, and countless wonderful friends. Milton spent 25 years as a USAF officer and fighter pilot, 22 years in the MI Air National Guard, 17 years as a corporate jet pilot. For 30 years he was a licensed real estate broker. He retired in 1988 after spending 9 years as a public school teacher and 20 years as a public school principal, first at Lincoln Upper Elementary, and then 17 years at Eberwhite Elementary School in Ann Arbor. He had a major influence on the lives of so many students, some of whom re-connected with him many years after graduation. Milt was a man of varied interests and touched many people's lives. He enjoyed furniture and jewelry making, woodworking, and tinkering with anything mechanical- he could repair anything around the house. Music was a huge part of Milt's life. He played piano by ear, harmonica and to the enjoyment of so many groups of friends- the ukulele. Not a day went by without his listening to or whistling baroque and classical music- sometimes much to the embarrassment of his children. Milt and Pegi loved to travel and after his retirement they made several international trips and took a number of cruises. Milt and Pegi's home was always filled with rescued animals- both cats and dogs. Both were members of Pet-A-Pet and often took their two cats and two dogs to retirement/nursing facilities, etc. and other pet oriented activities. Milton felt he was, in his words "Blessed with a very full and happy life, if not a longer one." Memorial services will be held Monday, February 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 19109 Craig St., New Boston, MI 48164. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated, and may be made to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O, Box 274, New Boston, MI 48164 or Pet-A-Pet Club, Inc. c/o Linda McCalister, P.O. Box 530356, Livonia, MI 48153. Please share a memory by signing Milt's guestbook.