In Memoriam
|
|---|
In Memoriam
Eugene Riggs
July 22, 1937 ~ March 2, 2008
Gene Riggs
July 22, 1937 - March 2, 2008more at:
www.CAIIA.orgThe insurance claims industry in California lost another great this past month. Gene Riggs, former Executive Director of the California Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (CAIIA), passed on March 2, 2008.
Owner of his own small adjusting firm out of Napa for many years, Gene was a recognized leader in the industry. His involvement and leadership always came with a clear intent of furthering the professionalism and knowledge of the industry. Gene was also a past President of the CAIIA (1989-1990).
“The passing of Gene is especially difficult for those of us who knew him,” said Doug Jackson, of the CAIIA in his memorial on their site (www.CAIIA.org). “A true giant in heart and spirit,... Gene, along with his very special wife, Sally, were true supporters of everything the CAIIA represented, and was instrumental in starting the Society of Registered Professional Adjusters (RPA),” Jackson stated. Gene was also the RPA’s first Executive Director, and was a driving force and original conceptual co-founder of the Claims Conference of Northern California, Inc., another educationally-based organization dedicated to furthering the professionalism of claims people.
After many years living in the Napa, CA area, Gene and Sally moved to Modesto, CA. Gene passed on March 2, 2008 after being admitted to the hospital for anemia. He had a cardiac arrest the following morning.
Surviving him is his always present loving wife and partner, Sally; his daughter, Kim; and grandson, Dylan.
“Gene left specific instructions that he did not want a funeral service,” Jackson said. “He didn’t like funerals and did not want people to grieve over his death. Instead, miss him and think of him as his own words say:
‘I have a cigar in one hand, a drink in the other,
sliding into heaven sideways, and what a hell of a ride!’“ And what a ride it was. Gene was a kind and generous man that will be remembered by us all,” continued his friend, Jackson.
Condolences can be sent directly to the family at their home in Modesto. If you don’t have that information, please contact Douglas Jackson, RPA, at djackson@caiia.com or by phone at 805-584-3494 ext. 111.
Gene Riggs left a legacy that will continue to serve professionals in the industry for a long time. Just as he would have it.
