Tribute to Tom Riggs

25-10-2007: RESPECTED Exmouth businessman Tom Riggs has died, aged 80, three decades after arriving in town to shed light on homes with a new store.

25-10-2007: RESPECTED Exmouth businessman Tom Riggs has died, aged 80, three decades after arriving in town to shed light on homes with a new store.

The former sales director retired from Berkshire to Exmouth with wife Joan in the 1950s - and opened the Light and Shade shop in Imperial Road. The hard-working father of two continued to run the business until the age of 75, before handing the reins to Peter.

Peter, who took over the shop five years ago after a career as a cinematographer, said: "He was a very good father, a real all-rounder, who had great business acumen."

Daughter Ruth, now a solicitor in London, added: "He was very hard-working, but my parents always enjoyed living in Exmouth, and would travel to see as much of Devon as possible."

Mr Riggs, whose wife died six years ago after more than 40 years of marriage, was a keen aeroplane and ship enthusiast, and a staunch supporter of the RNLI.

A member of Exm-outh's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the former Army man served in Canada while enlisted.

Mr Riggs died last week at his Beacon home, having suffered a heart attack. He leaves behind his son and daughter.

A cremation service will be held on Monday at 11am in Exeter.