William L. “Bill” Riggins, 80, a longtime resident of Mount Vernon passed away on Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on December 30, 1931 in Grants, New Mexico and was raised and attended school in Bakersfield, California, graduating from East Bakersfield High School with the class of 1949.
Out of high school Bill worked at a few occupations until enlisting into the U.S. Army in 1955, stationed in Germany. After his discharge he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, then as an insurance agent for Banker’s Life. In Bakersfield he met Danné Beighle and they were united in marriage on December 23, 1961.
Bill returned to school at Bakersfield Community College to complete his Associate Arts Degree. The family then moved to Bellingham, 
Washington where he earned his Provisional Teaching Certificate and later his Master’s Degree and Principle’s Credential from Western Washington State College. In 1966 Bill began his teaching career at Mt. Baker High School. In 1967 he began teaching English Lit and Humanities at the Mount Vernon High School where he was a respected teacher until his retirement in 1989. He was very fond of his students and subject matter. Bill was honored to be chosen for a National Endowment for the Humanities summer seminar at San Diego State University in 1986.
During his summers off from teaching Bill worked as a supervisor for the Stokley VanKamp Cannery and also operated a lawn care business for several years.
His leisure time was spent fishing, traveling, playing poker, bridge and golfing. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one at the Overlook Golf Course in Big Lake. For many years Bill had been a member of the Elks, Presbyterian Church, and Skagit Golf and Country Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Danné at the family home in Mount Vernon. His children, Bill Riggins, Jr. of Sumas, Brian Riggins and his wife Tina of Sedro-Woolley, Robin Mari of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Darcy Schmidt and her husband Bryan of Bellingham and Lorynn Long of Mount Vernon; his grandchildren, Brynn & Graeme Riggins, Sophia & Conrad Schmidt and Trey Ballinger, and his great-grandson, Braedyn; his brother, Donald Disney of Sandpoint, Idaho, his sister Franzela Mari of Albuquerque, NM and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. The family suggest memorials be made to Skagit Land Trust, (for Guemes) P.O. Box 1017, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 or Whatcom Hospice House, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225, in memory of Bill.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Ron Deegan of the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon officiating.
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. When I had him as a teacher long ago, we had an interesting relationship that I still smile about it from time to time. I will probably remember that forever.
My prayers and thoughts for his family
I was the librarian at MVHS when Bill was teaching English there. I always enjoyed working with him because he was so creative and so much fun. His students liked him because he obviously cared very much about them.
He had a lot of good ideas for teaching and he put his heart and soul into it. He was a joyful presence at faculty parties, too.
My deepest condolences to his dear wife, Danne and to the rest of his family.
Mr. Riggins’ passion for teaching and literature was evident in the classroom, and for that I am grateful. I will remember him when I face my own students in the future…
He was a kind and gentle soul. His classroom was a great place for learning.
Danne and family,
Bill will certainly be missed. I was blessed to have him as a teacher, and in my adult years, a friend. I remember him as a teacher with passion for the material he taught as well as a caringness for his students. You and your family are in our prayers. Mankind has lost a gem.
I am so sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great husband, dad, grandpa and friend. I am glad he will finally be rid of his pain. If there is anything that we can do to help, please please don’t hesitate to call.
Liz, Jason, and Stuart
Danne’ and family – I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I know it will leave a tremendous hole in your lives. Keep the memories close. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brian and Tina and Family,
So sorry Bill has passed on, he will be missed and was loved by many. He was well liked as a teacher as many of his former students will remember. Carali has many fond memories of him as a teacher and a person. I remember thinking, “Now why couldn’t I have this guy as a teacher because there was always a bit of fun surrounding him”. Looking forward to celebrating a life well lived with you guys.
Brian ,Tina and family, my heart goes out your family I know its so hard to lose a father and a grandfather. When someone has been a part of your life for so many years they leave a hole thats hard to fill. Just hold on to those memories you have of your dad and he will always be with you.
Brian & Tina & Family,
So sorry to read of the passing of Brian’s Dad. So many losses in such short amount of time for you guys.
Each and everyone of them hurts, but we have to remember all of the good times that we had with them while they were with us.
Please accept our condolences and our love. We are thinking of you during this time.
Love,
Uncle Norm & Aunt Linda
He once told my mother that I had missed 32 days that month. When I asked how that could be, he replied with, “You never show up” and “I got your attention”. I really liked that man. He used to bring his vehicles into the shop to have me work on them and it was always a blessing to have him around. He will be missed by us all.
Bill was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He had a great passion for literature and history. Always very friendly and helpful and made learning fun. Though I haven’t seen him in many years I have very fond memories of him and he will be greatly missed.