It is with a deep sense of sorrow and loss, our family announces the passing of our Husband, Father, Uncle and Grandfather Clyde on November 11th, 2020 at the age of 73.
His memory will be cherished by his wife Suzanne, married for 49 ½ years, his children Cameron and Andrea (Lynn) and grandsons Ryan and Riley, his Mother-in-law Faye Dennis, brother Jim (Janet) brother-in-law Rev. Roy Holton, brother-in-law David Dennis (Anne) brother-in-law Alan Dennis (Elana) and cherished nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his Monday morning coffee buddy Greg Yeats, who has gladly volunteered to help distribute his massive model collection. Lastly, his loyal canine companion, Leo the Golden, giver of smiles, lover of toast.
Clyde was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth (Betty) Rigsby, his father John (Jack) Rigsby, his brother John Rigsby, his sister Margaret (Rigsby) Holton and his nephew Jay Dennis.
Cremation has taken place at Serenity Funeral Home. No service will be held, however an open house/wake will take place at his home on Saturday, November 21st, 11 AM to 7 PM, 6312 12th Avenue NW, Edmonton. Outside space will also be available for visiting. All are welcome to join us.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses of the Neurology ICU, section 4A4 at the University of Alberta Hospital. Your kind support, care and compassion was much appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Clyde’s honour may be made directly to SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society).
Clyde graduated from Ryerson with a Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree in 1971 and was married to Suzanne 3 weeks later. Clyde and Suzanne had actually gone to the same High School in then, the small town of Markham, Ontario. They met again several years later at a mutual friend’s wedding and it was love at first sight. Clyde spent 40 years as a salesman using his mechanical knowhow and “gift for gab” to excel in his field. Once retired he was incredibly happy to never have to drive to Ft. McMurray ever again!
Clyde was a tenor with an innate curiosity and a silly sense of humor. Involvement in Scout Gang Shows in the early 60’s lead to 50 plus years of choral and vocal experiences. He rediscovered theatre in 1992 with ELOPE (Ensemble for Lyrical Operetta Productions Edmonton) He performed many roles over the years, but his favorite character was Nicely-Nicely Johnson, singing “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” in the production of Guys & Dolls. Clyde was also deeply involved in set design and construction, costume design, lighting design, props and production. A costume designer who was close to him said he was never afraid to wear the loud, the silly, the ugly plaid, or an idiotic hat. He loved being on stage! It was a natural extension of his big personality.
He was a master ‘to scale’ modeler. Clyde built all kinds of models; ships, planes, bridges, towns, rail cars, and a very special grain elevator. Interested in the “Vanishing Sentinels” by Jim A Pearson, Clyde contacted the P & H Elevator Preservation Society of Stettler, Alberta. He made a trip down, took pictures, then came home and painstakingly built a scale model of P & H Elevator No. 14. This model is now on display in their restored and working elevator, and Clyde was made a lifetime member of the Society.
While rehearsing for his part as Colonel J. J. Astor in the musical production of Titanic, Clyde built an immaculate scale model of the Titanic. The model was so impressive, that the Director of the show absolutely had to own it. And now has it displayed in her home.
Clyde, a lover of all things train, has built a model town, bridge and working train, which is on display in the Alberta Railway Museum, here in Edmonton. His favorite room in our home was his basement train room, Packed from floor to ceiling, drawers of paint, scenery, vehicles, bridges, people and tracks. His all-time favorite thing was take something plain, and make it memorable by adding decals, graffiti or cargo. His specialty rail cars, from his own company Manmade Stuff, then were shipped around the world to fellow modelers for their pleasure and fun.
He was a volunteer. Clyde volunteered at Telus World of Science as a science garage workshop assistant. Clyde’s passion for all things scientific, mechanical, or magnetic led him to be the “MacGyver” of the work shop. “Give it to Clyde, maybe he can fix it” was commonly heard within the halls. He was fascinated with the workshops 3D printer and bought one of his own. This allowed him to spend countless hours building and crafting new items to add to his rail cars.
Clyde was always a willing Casino Volunteer, but only if he could be Banker! Which is not the most glamourous job, but it did come with a fairly decent chair to sit upon.
In 2017 Clyde received a lifetime membership in ASET (Association of Science and Engineering Technology) for contributing over 30 years to the profession.
Clyde was also a member of the National Model Railway Association since 2016
A member of the International Plastic Modelers Society of Canada, Edmonton Chapter
A member of CARM (Canadian Association of Railway Modelers) since 2004
His last performance was with the SEESA (South East Edmonton Seniors Association) in the Drama Clubs Christmas production of “The Little Town of Christmas” where he had a comical part. Which was always a favorite of his.
Clyde would have said “the show must go on”. And so it shall…
Serenity Funeral Service – South Edmonton, (780)450-0101
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of RIGSBY Clyde Walter November 11 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta