Gary Michael Rigby

Born on September 1, 1949 as a third child, Gary grew up surrounded by best friends, both siblings and those met at school, and nurtured laughter, adventure, inclusivity, and a spirit of rebellion for those in his life.

Gary met Shirley Francis Harris in 1977 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and they were married in a simple ceremony on August 1, 1981 (8.1.81) in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From 1978 to 1982, they traveled the country in a travel trailer, making many friends and memories, and establishing a foundation of support and reliance on each other that would last for 47 years.

They settled down in Clinton, Tennessee in their first home, and Gary began working on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. While working offshore, he suffered a broken neck in August 1983. Under a year later, in June 1984, they welcomed their first child, Jennifer Michelle Rigby. In March 1986, they welcomed their second child, Joshua Gary Rigby, and opened a restaurant (Pic-A-Deli). At the end of the 80s, the family relocated to Gary’s hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In Salt Lake City, Gary was close to many members of his large family and childhood friends once again. He carried a deep, special love for his family, and enjoyed being close to them to share birthdays, holidays, and special events. Gary and Shirley loved to take his family camping, and they enjoyed trips to forests within Utah, traveling to national parks, and playing and fishing at local lakes and reservoirs (especially Bear Lake with his lifelong friend, Clark Wright). He was a casual golfer, although he would’ve loved to be an avid golfer. He enjoyed cars, seafood, Laurel and Hardy, and was an enthusiastic fan of The Beatles and Jimmy Buffett.

Gary was a hard worker; his children bemoaned his many lessons on finance, lawn care, home repairs, and business savvy, but they benefited from his dedication to providing for his family however necessary. In the mid-1990s, Gary rediscovered his entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed travelling for business. His success in this endeavor underscores his ability to connect with anyone, a gift granted through his infectious sense of humor and warmth.

Through the years, Gary endured many health challenges. In addition to the broken neck in 1983, he suffered a heart attack in 1986 and subsequently endured a variety of invasive heart procedures through the 1990s. He has his first stroke in 2003, and in the following years had a handful of transient ischemia attacks and seizures. These advancing neurological issues continued into the mid 2010s, when increasingly cruel dementia claimed his mobility and freedom. Through it all, Shirley upheld her vow of “in sickness and health” and provided loving, direct care for Gary. Gary’s steadfastness and resolve for life kept him with us for many years longer than expected, and was only rivaled by Shirley’s dedication and constancy to his care.

A bright spot of the later years of Gary’s life were meeting and knowing his five grandchildren. They provided a levity, joy, and brightness to his final years by sharing their silly stories, successes, and slobbery kisses with him.

While we deeply mourn the loss of Gary, we are so grateful he is at peace. We envision him reuniting with his beloved family who departed before him, and driving too fast with windows down, wind in his hair, and music blasting.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Rigby; his children Jennie (Wade), Josh, Matt, and Jon; his older brother Bob (Marilyn), brother-in-law Shell (Carol*), and his younger siblings Dixie (Larry), Vickie, Wendy (Ted), Cindy (Doug), Kathy (Wally*), Kelly (Karen); and his grandchildren Dash and Izzy (Josh), Cypress, River, and Jasper (Jennie), and Matt and Jon’s children.

He is preceded in death by his father, Curtis; his mother Doris (Shanti); stepmother Joann; and siblings Carol, Becky (Dennis), and Trudy (Pat), and brother-in-law Wally.

Gary’s wishes were to not have funeral services. Instead, we invite everyone to share memories, stories, and photos of Gary via this memorial site, where those who love him can revisit and cherish the shared love for their spouse, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.