Alvin Richard Riggs, 85, peacefully passed away at his residence in Salisbury, NC on October 10, 2016.

Al was born June 7, 1931 to the late Raymond and Clara Hanson Riggs in Motley, MN. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in the South Pacific. Al received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware before attending Yale University to earn his Masters and Ph. D in History. Among his many accomplishments, Al was a Fulbright Scholar and studied in Edinburgh, Scotland. He taught U.S. History at McGill University in Montreal, Canada for 37 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed being a member of the Motley American Legion and traveling back home to Motley to visit with friends and family. His hobbies included fly fishing, floating down the Smith River in Montana, and reading. Al also had a passion for gardening, and one could say he was a farmer at heart.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Lennington Riggs, whom he married June 17, 1962; daughter Amy Wimmer (Mark) of Salisbury; daughter in law, Rose Riggs of Salisbury; sister Donna Bakula of Chincoteague Island, VA; brother Stan Riggs (Rosemary) of Southern California; 4 grandchildren, Alex Wimmer, Elle Wimmer, Brooke Riggs and Bailey Riggs. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Al is preceded in death by his son, James “Jim” Riggs and sister, Myrt Riggs.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with his final resting place being in Motley, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion 124 Motley (P.O. Box 145 Motley, MN 56466).

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is serving the Riggs family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.