William Alexander Riggs Obituary
William Alexander Riggs, P. Eng., MBA
We are saddened to announce the death of William Alexander Riggs, on Monday June 8, 2026. After a brief time in North York General Hospital, Bill was surrounded by loving family when he passed peacefully away.
Bill was born June 26, 1939, in Toronto, Ontario, to Marshall and Amy Riggs, older brother to Nancy (Don) Allen. Husband of 55 years to Sheila (nee Martin), father to Amy, Laura, Robin (Dan), and his most adored, Jennifer. Poppa to Dylan, Norah and Sadie. Cousin to Marg and Ryan, uncle to Chris and Jamie.
Raised to value hard work, personal integrity, and a job carefully executed, Bill embraced learning and adventure over his long life. He developed a love of the outdoors in childhood, camping with his family and participating in Scouting. He was a proud Queen's Scout, the highest honour in Scouts, achieved through personal development, leadership, community service, and adventurous activities. It is said a recipient becomes a Queen's Scout, rather than being awarded it. Bill encouraged his daughters (or "boys") to follow in his, and Sheila's, footsteps and participate in Girl Guides. He created many family memories camping by tent, and later, tent trailer, and enthusiastically lent his gear, knowledge, and mentoring skills whenever he had a chance.
After attending Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, Bill pursued Chemical Engineering at University of Toronto, later going on to complete an MBA at the Richard Ivey Business School, in London, Ontario, making lasting friends and co-conspirators: Gord McEwan (Phyllis), a great friend and classmate from engineering, Doug Gameroff (Francois) and Dave Armstrong (Anna) from his MBA days. His studies informed his career choices, with a stint at Sun Oil followed by years in, first real estate, and then, property development. As proprietor of his own business, he was a remarkably present father during his daughters’ school years, more aware than many Dads of his time of what his kids were up to or needed support with. He was a fixture in the lives of neighbourhood and school friends during that time, providing a riot of memories and laughs as we think on it now.
Bill's many interests and hobbies were opportunities to hone skills and forge incredibly rewarding and lasting friendships: Paul Dodington, going all the way back to high school working on an old Model T Ford; Marie-Anne and Ivan Skomorowski, Bob Lane, Bob McKerihen, Prunella and Roy Eastwood, Henk and Moira Hoogeveen from his BMW motorcycle days; and the list goes on. He loved to share stories of adventures past, like the tour of Europe he took on the BMW bike after picking up his custom-made full suit of leathers directly from the factory in Germany. His model of bold, independent thinking has inspired many of his daughters’ life choices, and his family takes comfort in the continuation of these friendships, enjoying the shared memories.
Target shooting and hunting provided him with years of fun and friendship, from his student days at U of T Hart House shooting range, and later membership in the Toronto Revolver and Sharon Gun Clubs, to the Second Chance weekend events organized with friends. He particularly loved his time going north to Fort Frances, for his annual Fall moose hunting trip. It remained a top priority, and after recovering from a stroke, he travelled by air, making his final visit just last year. He never wanted to miss the chance to reconnect with dear friends and their families (Symington's, Hyatt's, Stoessinger's), commune with the great outdoors, and to dust off his gear and make the most of being in the bush. He could rough it with the toughest but was not above bringing along a cleverly designed foldable toilet, complete with a self-warming Styrofoam seat. Bill didn't do things by half measure, and built his kit lists to cover any scenario, but when surprised by circumstances on the road, in the woods, or in camp, he could 'rig' up a solution.
Bill's varied passions moved him over his lifetime, and his unique perspective and personality added lots of ‘flavour’ along the way. There was no one quite like Bill Riggs, and we all knew it!
Bill had a strong sense of family, travelling the 401 in both directions to remain in touch with his sister, Nancy and family, Don, Chris, and Jamie, the Aunts and Uncles in Campbell's Bay, and favourites in Ottawa, Ernie, Marion, Marg and Ryan. He was equally dedicated to connecting with family on Sheila's side of the family, O’Neil’s and Martin’s in Windsor, Chatham and London, and to mutual friends, too - thinking of the Holmes’ family cottage, Gerhard and Celia Luckas, Keith Swain, Judy Inwood. Guests from out of town or country were always welcome, whether family, like Kathy and Joe from Ottawa, Margaret and Ian from Australia, or friends of family like high school exchange students or others met on travels. The door was always open.
A great neighbour, Bill had time to chat with anyone, and formed close ties with a few who shared more than one chapter of his life. Tom Eckert, from Willowdale days; and from Donegall, Irene Burnett and daughters Peggy (Mike) and Angie, and Mark (Keri) Burstyn. He was always first to offer help, equipped with a plan and the tools for every job. Whether it was having a second extra backup generator during a summer blackout, working out a construction design challenge or home maintenance issue, knowing which solvent to use on a stain, or being there to fill a flat bicycle tire, use a winch or tow rope to rescue a stranded vehicle, get a stalled car running again, he was up for it all. A self-certified 'tarpologist', he was a man that used his talents and resources exceptionally well. That knowledge base, along with confidence and an innovative spirit, made him a relied-upon resource for his daughters and many friends, well into adulthood. He very reassuringly knew something about almost everything. He shared his vast knowledge of the outdoors, mechanics, and construction generously and widely, believing in the self-efficacy of everyone he met. Many of us owe so much practical knowledge to Bill, and, I know, still hear his words as we perform certain tasks.
Bill was a great host, more than willing to add chairs around the table at the drop of a hat, with a love for good food and drink. Many friends enjoyed his well-prepared venison and moose roasts, sausages and shish kebabs. Countless occasions were celebrated in the backyard on Donegall. Always welcoming and genuine, Bill brought humour and that familiar twinkle of mischief, guaranteeing a good time. He was looking forward to setting up the propane burner outside for our annual family lobster boil once Amy was back for the Summer.
He loved a good joke and turn of phrase. He was more apt to tell his kids a joke at bedtime than to read a story. He could pull off a prank too, like the time he swapped the cart Amy used to deliver the Toronto Star for one that was identical, except for its missing wheels. You had to think quickly to be one step ahead, or you’d find yourself searching the skies for a flying motorcycle, or the table in front of you for a missing dessert.
Bill showed such resilience in the face of adversity, fighting back against setbacks with his health after remaining incredibly active and well into his late 70’s. He held on to his independence and controlled what he could. He loved to shop and enjoyed the community of the Leaside United Church. He continued to cook for himself and remained current with the world and times we live in by watching the evening news and reading the newspaper daily. His creative brain never stopped solving problems and looking for better ways to do things.
A brilliantly unique, independent spirit to the end, Bill did it his way. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
True to the cliche, the memories are such a comfort! Please add your memories to ours on the memorial page.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20th 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the The Amsterdam Barrel House, Upstairs Lounge (87 Laird Drive, East York, Toronto, Ontario M4G3T7).
If you would like to make a donation in Bill's name, consider Leaside United Church, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
