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."
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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.
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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.
