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John E. Riggins

1934 - 2024

John E. Riggins obituary, 1934-2024, Longview, WA

BORN

1934

DIED

2024

John Riggins Obituary

John E. Riggins

February 10, 1934 - December 17, 2024

John E. Riggins, age 90, of Big Bear Lake, Calif., passed away peacefully on the evening of December 17, 2024, at the Park Vista Skilled Nursing Facility in Brea, Calif., with his son Tom by his side.

John was born on February 10, 1934, in Campbell, Neb., to the late James and Helen (Hamer) Riggins. A proud veteran, John served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in May 1953. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton and later participated in the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. At just 20 years old, he was selected for a top-secret Marine Security Detail aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss, witnessing seven atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Bound by secrecy for five decades, John's service became public in 2004, and he cherished reunions with his fellow Marines.

On August 16, 1958, John married Joan A. Hanson in Longview, Wash. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure. In 1977, John founded Riggins Construction & Management, Inc., in Orange County, Calif. Following his retirement in 1999, he and Joan relocated to Big Bear Lake, where John became an active volunteer at the Big Bear Discovery Center. He contributed his expertise in construction to numerous projects for Discovery Center, Southern California Mountains Foundation and U.S. Forestry Service including the "Discovery Zone", Forestry burn-zone tree planting, and leading guided tours.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family brought him immense joy. He is survived by his four sons, Ron (Philippines), Tom (Michiko) of Placentia, Calif., Steve (Shari) of Chino Hills, Calif., and David of Placentia, Calif.; as well as grandchildren, Emiko (Dustin) Hovenden, Kimiko Riggins, Alyssa Riggins, and Annika Riggins; and great-grandchildren Kai and Stella. He also leaves behind his sister-in-laws, Justine (Ron), Mary Hanson Redding, and Jeanne Hanson Weedman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan; and several family members.

A private ceremony with military honors will be held on January 24, 2025, at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton, Calif. John's cremated remains will be interred alongside his wife.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Park Vista Skilled Nursing Facility for their compassionate care during John's final years. John lived a long and fulfilling life and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Published by The Daily News on Jan. 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Riggins

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Tom Riggins

July 10, 2025

Dad sure enjoyed helping put the "Nature Discovery Zone" together at the Discovery Center in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Lori Reynolds

May 23, 2025

Did not know that John had passed away until I saw their beautiful home in big Bear Lake up for sale. He was a neighbor of ours for many years couldn´t ask for a nicer man than John. I used to call him my donut man as he always brought me donuts back when he went to the donut shop. He would go by my window and make an oh to see if I wanted a doughnut. Rest in peace, John.

Tom Riggins

March 6, 2025

Dad's niche Name plate was finally installed yesterday, 3/5/25.

Tom Riggins

February 20, 2025

Dad volunteering is time and construction expertise for Big Bear Lake's Discovery Center's - "Nature Discovery Zone"

David Johnstone

February 19, 2025

I´m a US Navy Vietnam Vet. I purchased a new 1971 VW Beetle when I was discharged. I love this vehicle and it still in my name. Marine John placed a Marine Corps sticker on my rear window while it was parked at the Big Bear Discovery Center. I removed it. The next day another Marine Corps sticker was placed on my window. I removed it again. A week later another one of those crazy Marine Corps stickers appeared. I approached John. He said he had hundreds of these stickers. The final sticker he placed on my rear window is still there after all these years. Thank you John for the memories!

Susan Swanson

February 7, 2025

I truly enjoyed the times that John spent with his family in Nebraska.
Susan Swanson

Colin West

February 4, 2025

What an amazing person, and what a remarkable life. Our family feels lucky that we got to know him.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Robert and Kathleen Goldberg

Planted Trees

Chris Grondahl/Solid Core Installation/owner

February 4, 2025

My deepest sympathy to the Riggins family! I´m so grateful to Jesus Christ for the privilege of knowing John and getting to be involved on several construction jobs installing doors,frames, & hardware! Loved his sense of humor! He was a faithful , good businessman and paid in a timely manner! God´s peace to all the family!

Laura Usherwood

February 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of John´s passing. I worked for John as his secretary at Alex Robertson Company & at Illig Construction Company back in the early to mid 70´s prior to when he started his own company. We stayed in touch after he started his company & I helped to train his new secretary, Beverly, when he asked me to. John was the best boss & I truly enjoyed working with him & our friendship. He is deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

Young John Riggins on his brother Dean's Indian Motorcycle & in 1953.

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

Dad's Service @ Loma Vista Memorial Park on 01/24/25.......

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

John Riggins' Military Honors

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

Johnny Riggins

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

Put dad to rest with his Joanie.

Tom Riggins

January 26, 2025

Mary Hanson Redding, sisterin-law

January 24, 2025

John Riggins was one of nicest persons I have ever known. He came into our family when he married my sister Joan. Little did he know that her three sisters and their mother would become a big part of his life. He certainly was a huge presence in my life. My mother and his mother became fast friends. He supported the "Hanson girls" throughout his life and was always there to help, advise, do whatever needed to be done. He has left a large hole that I will fill with all the memories, wonderful memories of all he did for our family. He was simply the very best!!! Rest in peace, Johnny.

Lisa Weedman

January 23, 2025

Sharing my special day with my Aunt Joan and Uncle John on March 12, 1994. I have wonderful memories of the many special times spent with them over the years.

Judy Fromdahl

January 21, 2025

You were so special to me.Iremember singing at your wedding. Love you both

Dolores Hamer

January 16, 2025

John was my husband´s cousin. They grew up together in Longview and shared many fond memories of their youth. John was a good man. John and his brother Ron, another good man.

Cheryl (Hamer) Cole

January 16, 2025

Our heartfelt condolences to the Riggins family. My Dad, Jim Hamer, was a cousin to the Riggins boys. May God bring you all peace & comfort during this time.

Single Memorial Tree

Mary Redding & Jeanne Weedman

Planted Trees

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary Cruise 2008

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad's U.S.S. Curtiss Atomic Marines Reunion photos

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad w/ his Older brothers Dean and Ron and Hamer Cousins

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad, Mom and I at the Grand Opening of the Discovery Zone at Big Bear Lake, CA

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad Big Bear Volunteering group of friends

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad with Kai

Single Memorial Tree

The Ron Riggins Family

Planted Trees

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Family w/ Dad and Mom & Dad

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Dad and Dad w/ family

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

John as a Kid and he and Mom's wedding day

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Kimiko w/ her Grandpa John

Tom Riggins

January 13, 2025

Mom & Dad up in Big Bear Lake, CA

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

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