Obituary of Douglas David Rigsby
Douglas David Rigsby
July 16 1948 - December 18 2017
With sadness and love we announce Doug’s passing in Kingston, Ontario, the city of his birth.
Doug grew up in Kingston and Pointe Claire QC. A graduate of Queen’s (BA ‘69, LLB ‘73), he was a member of both the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Law Society of Alberta, practicing in Toronto, Brockville and Calgary. He was proud of his law experience, but found his true calling as a passionate advocate, educator and speaker for initiating public conversation and knowledge of mental health. Through life experiences, and his work of the last 20 years, with the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Frontenac Mental Health Services and the TAMI, NAMI and VOCEC organizations, he inspired many and brought hope. In 2001 Doug was one of CAMH’s “Courage to Come Back” recipients, an honour he was humbly proud to even be nominated for. With the same humility, he was thrilled to be named an Honourary Patron of the Canadian Club of Kingston in October 2017 for contributions in this same field.
Doug will be remembered for the gentle giant within a large presence: kind, caring, sensitive. He was resilient and always managed to find a positive outlook through life’s challenges. He had a quick and easy smile; we loved his quick wit and often goofy sense of humour! He cherished his family and friendships, and was blessed by them especially these last six months.
He will be deeply missed by his sister Cathy, brother-in-law Len Gale, sister-in-law Justina Rigsby; niece and nephews Laura, Daniel, David and Andrew (Laurel); and many special Kingston friends. He was predeceased by his brother John in February 2017 and his parents Dave and Dorothy.
We extend grateful thanks to the dedicated and compassionate people of Heritage 2 at Providence Care Hospital who cared for Doug in his last months. You were a gift. A Celebration of Life will be held Feb 3 2018 at 2 pm at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kingston. If desired, memorial tributes may be made to University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Cremation arrangements made through James Reid Funeral Homes.
