Edward (Ted) Hickman Riggs

Edward (Ted) Riggs passed away peacefully on April 22^nd, 2026, surrounded by family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories.

Ted is lovingly remembered by his three children Joan (Mike), Anne and Rob with his first wife Ramona (deceased), his chosen daughter Lynne, his remaining sisters Shirley and Amelia (Harvey); and his partner in the second half of his life Jane and her daughter Peggy.  He was a proud grandfather of Leah (Terry), Dan, Matthew (Ashley) and Kaile (pre-deceased) and great grandfather of India, Everly, Ruby, Levi, Keira and Loic.

Ted lived his life in a way where he found joy in the gift of being alive.  Born and raised in Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ted carried Newfoundland in his heart all his life.

Ted left Newfoundland at 17 when he joined the Air Force and he served in postings all over the world.   During his time in the RCAF, he was posted to Brandon, Resolute, Edmonton, Montreal, St. John’s and Lahr, Germany. He was honoured to be a peacekeeper, serving in a number of places including Cyprus, Egypt and the Golan Heights in the Middle East. When he retired from the armed forces in 1990 he continued to travel and work.

He left a beautiful legacy for all of us: our collective love for hockey (despite none of us becoming a fan to his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs); the value of reading and doing a daily walk, a love for Newfoundland and for history and a passion for social justice and for caring about people and the world around us.   His greatest legacy was his kindness. He was described by many as “ a gentleman.”  That was his truest nature. He chose to see people in their best light, he loved deeply and loyally and he was generous with his smile and laugh.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ottawa in June and another one in August 2026 in Newfoundland.