John Andrew Rigel Sr.

In Medford Oregon.

John was born on August 1, 1943, in Grants Pass Oregon to Leslie & Mabel Rigel. John was one of 12 children. John went to school in Rogue River Oregon and graduated from Rogue River high school.

John married Helen Ross, and they had 4 children, they later divorced but remained friends until his passing.

John worked for the State of Oregon as a wildland fire-fighter & equipment operator for several years. He then went to work for Medco Timber Co in Butte Falls, Oregon as a mechanic and equipment operator. John worked there until Medoc closed operations. He then settled into semi-retired life and lived on Elk Creek Road.

John loved the outdoors and was the happiest, sitting by a campfire and telling stories. He loved a good game of horseshoes and playing solitaire.

John is survived by son John Rigel Jr (Virginia) of Prospect OR, Daughters, Rebecca Spicer of Missoula MT, Rhonda Hay of Kihei HI & Renee Hard of Brush Prairie WA. He has 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild due in 2025.

John is also survived by his 3 brothers and 8 sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at Avamere Three Fountains for the wonderful care dad received while living there. We also want to thank the Signature Hospice care team as well.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, as dad had one request and that was we did his service when it was “weather permitting” “Don’t want anyone standing in the rain because of me”.

He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Rest easy dad, we will see you again one day.