Fred LeRoy Riggs passed away peacefully May 13, 2022 in his daughter’s home surrounded by those who loved him. A graveside ceremony with Military Honors will be held at Eagle Valley Cemetery on May 20th, 2022 at 1pm followed by a celebration of life at the Eagle Valley Grange.  

He was born on May 21, 1926 in Turner, Oregon to his parents Clarence Ruben and Mary Elisa Porter-Riggs. The Riggs family lived in many places throughout the years including North Powder, Medical Springs, Telocaset, Pondosa, Baker, and Oxbow. He lived and worked for Walt and Lizzie Saunders of Richland until he graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1944.

On February 26th 1944, at the age of 17, he married his school mate Jennie Jean Ashby. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the US. Army where he served in the South Pacific during WWII with the 322 Infantry Division for two years.

Fred and Jennie raised three children: Frank, and twins Merrilyn and Marlyn. In 1984 they moved back to Richland where he lived until 2019. This was when he relocated to Halfway to live with his close family.

Many jobs were held throughout his life. He worked for the Holcomb Sheep Ranch, logged, drove log truck. In 1964, Idaho Power hired him as an inspector on Hells Canyon Dam. He retired from Idaho Power in 1985 as a mechanic.

Fred was a very active member in the community and volunteered many hours of work to various clubs and organizations. In 1976 he joined the Snowmobile Club where he drove the groomer for 25 years. He was on the Eagle Valley Cemetery board for 15 years, served on the Richland City Council for 18 years, and was mayor of Richland for 4 years. In addition, he drove the Richland ambulance for 25 years, was an active member in the Eagle Valley Grange where he mowed the park for 20+ years. He worked for the Baker County watermaster out of Eagle Valley for 15 years. He was a proud lifetime member of the NRA.

Fred enjoyed spending time with his good friend Pat. Hobbies included hunting, fishing, mushrooming, picking huckleberries, snowmobiling, attending rodeos, and especially loved camping and spending the majority of his time with his granddaughter Teena and his sidekick Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jennie; brothers Paul, Bob, and Coy; sister Hazel; son Marlyn, and great granddaughter Brandie.

Fred is survived by son Frank (Roseanne) Riggs; Daughter Merrilyn (Richard) Seal; 12 Grandchildren; 21 Great Grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Those who would like to make a memorial donation may do so to the Eagle Valley Ambulance Fund or the Eagle Valley Grange. This can be done though Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation services P.O. Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com