Ralph Elmer Rigdon

Ralph E. Rigdon passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2014. (85) Ralph was born December 20, 1928, to parents Lucy Marie Becker and Edward Lonnie Rigdon in Hubbard, Oregon.  Ralph grew up on the family property where they raised rabbits and grew their own vegetables.  He graduated from Canby High School in 1946 and served in the US Army from 1952-54.  Ralph received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged at Fort Belfor, Virginia.  He was proud of his service to his country and was a corporal in the Army's signal core unit at the Pentagon during the Korean War.

Ralph worked his entire life and said his hobby was "working".  His job titles included tugboat operator, truck driver, and forklift operator for both International Harvester and Chrysler where he retired in June 1992.   Ralph was a member of UAW local 492 since 1952.  He was actively involved in local politics as a proud Democrat since 1952 as well.  His recent political issue was the light rail opposition from Portland to Milwaukie.  Ralph was recently honored at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for his  60 years of choir and organ performances. He was also a strong advocate for National Alliance on Mental Illness.  His garden was his passion, where he grew everything from kiwi to beans and corn.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanne, his brother Robert (Mary Lou) his sister-in-law Diane (Ron), son Greg Rigdon, daughter Patricia (Greg), sons Dean (Pam), Gary (Sharilyn), Mark and Neal (Debbie).  He has nine grandchildren, Tim, Michael, Sarah, Anthony, Joseph, Katie, Theo, Alexander and Preston.   He is also blessed with great grandchildren Kaysha and Kaleb.  There are cousins, nieces and nephews to also acknowledge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ralph's name to the National Association on Mental Illness or OHSU's Knight Cancer Center.