Michael Douglas Riggs

Michael Douglas Riggs died following a brief illness on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Tempe St. Luke's Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona.  He was 58 years old. Mike was born on a Monday, August 3, 1959, in China Lake, Kern County, California to his parents, Michael Fordyce and Patricia LaBelle (Bechtold) Riggs.  As a baby, he and his family moved to Arizona, making their home in Tempe.  He was a member of Tempe High School's Class of 1978.  All throughout his life, Mike possessed an incredible work ethic.  While still a teenager, he "worked his way up the ladder" from bussing and waiting tables to being the main chef, at various restaurants.  His was always a friendly and familiar face at Carrows and Denny's.  All along the way, he made friends wherever he went and almost, quite literally, never knew a stranger.  He had an infectious personality, sense of humor and loved talking with others.  In his early 20s, Mike embarked on another career path and remained at the same place of employment for 31 years.  Though the business was sold and changed names a few times, his drive, determination and loyalty was constant as he worked for Garrett, Allied Signal and Honeywell as an airplane engine technician. Mike had the heart of a daredevil.  He spent countless hours scuba diving throughout his life and jumped out of many planes as a skydiver.  In his younger years, he loved to ride his motorcycle on the open road and always appreciated the beauty he found in nature.  He enjoyed going to the movies with family and friends and was an Arizona sports enthusiast.  He especially loved the Arizona Diamondbacks.Above all else, Mike loved his family.  He was a loving father, son, brother and uncle.  He, too, will be missed a great deal by those whom he called "friend."Michael Douglas Riggs is survived by his mother, Patricia "Pat" Riggs of Tempe, Arizona; 2 sons:  Andy Riggs of Durango, Colorado, Chris Riggs of Mesa, Arizona; 3 step-children:  Tyler Gibson of Mesa, Arizona, Kimberly Kuhn of Payson, Arizona, Britany Gibson of Mesa, Arizona; 2 brothers:  Jeffrey Riggs of Mesa, Arizona, Steve "T-Bone" (Dina) Riggs of Flagstaff, Arizona and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Along with all of his grandparents, Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael Fordyce Riggs.The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the Beck Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1221 W. Howe Street in Tempe, Arizona where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior.  The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, Arizona.Mike's family is thankful for the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up on their behalf.Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel.