Robert Steven Rigby
January 23, 1941 ~ March 24, 2014
A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT STEPHEN RIGBY
1942-2014
In the early morning of March 25, 2014, Steve Rigby left us for that "big gig" on the other side. There will forever be a place for him in the hearts of his friends and family to whom he endeared himself for 72 wonderful years.
Of course, we all know Veronica Martian, Steve's loving and devoted companion of 30 years and his daughter of choice, Suzette Martian Hudgins. Without them he could not have been the fulfilled man he became. Inseparable, he and Veronica were simpatico in their lives, dreams and accomplishments. They were surrounded by friends and family who were fortunate to call them their own.
Steve's earliest years were spent in New York City and Greenville, South Carolina. In those early times he and one of his brothers, Hal, played guitars in their folk music group at small venues and on local Greenville television. College years proves Steve's natural gifts for musical, visual and writing arts, but it was his lifelong love of music that propelled him to the Washington, DC area to continue with folk music in the mid-1960's. His other artistic inclinations steered him to learning the craft of picture framing. He excelled in this as a means of steady support while pursuing his music. Many fine years were spent in the employ of Damon Galleries in Vienna, Virginia where he was a talented and integral part of operations.
Devotion to the aesthetics of the folk movement led him to active and ongoing support of civil rights and liberties. Ever true to himself, his participation in demonstrations for those causes often found him "in the trenches" delivering food to other followers and providing assistance anywhere it was needed.
By then the bass, in its many forms, had become Steve's musical instrument of choice. For many years he was a fixture in the local music scene playing in different manifestations, much to his delight. Perhaps his favorite contribution was to the Washington Performing Arts Society with the band, Wannabeast.
In the last few years Steve enjoyed full contentment in his home in the woods with Veronica and his brother, Harrison. In his free time his pleasure lay in having fun with them around the house and, as always, composing and playing music. Three years ago he became a grandfather when Suzette's son Jameson William Hudgins was born. Steve played his new role with gusto.
Most recently, after the closing of Damon Galleries, Steve and Taffy Millar, longtime friend and business associate, took up the torch and opened Damon Framing Gallery in Vienna. Everyone in town was proud of its quick success with such competent leaders at the helm. The truest jewel in the crown of Steve's recent happiness was when, on March 17 of this year, he walked his beloved Suzette down the aisle in her marriage to Sam Hudgins.
Left to cherish wonderful memories are Steve's local family and many friends, as well as his brother Hal Rigby (Hope) of Summerville, South Carolina, Harrison Rigby (Karen) of Warrenton, Virginia, his sister Elizabeth Rigby Berry of Greenville, South Carolina, also a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and Veronica's extended family. Passes before him were his brothers-in-law Bruce Berry and William Martian, who each loved him well.
Our Steve was a dear, esteemed and prized part of the community. His intelligence and spirit shone in everything he did. Those closest to him will laugh and cry together for years to come when stories are told of these attributes as well as his wit, humor and many other talents. Love endures.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
1942-2014
In the early morning of March 25, 2014, Steve Rigby left us for that "big gig" on the other side. There will forever be a place for him in the hearts of his friends and family to whom he endeared himself for 72 wonderful years.
Of course, we all know Veronica Martian, Steve's loving and devoted companion of 30 years and his daughter of choice, Suzette Martian Hudgins. Without them he could not have been the fulfilled man he became. Inseparable, he and Veronica were simpatico in their lives, dreams and accomplishments. They were surrounded by friends and family who were fortunate to call them their own.
Steve's earliest years were spent in New York City and Greenville, South Carolina. In those early times he and one of his brothers, Hal, played guitars in their folk music group at small venues and on local Greenville television. College years proves Steve's natural gifts for musical, visual and writing arts, but it was his lifelong love of music that propelled him to the Washington, DC area to continue with folk music in the mid-1960's. His other artistic inclinations steered him to learning the craft of picture framing. He excelled in this as a means of steady support while pursuing his music. Many fine years were spent in the employ of Damon Galleries in Vienna, Virginia where he was a talented and integral part of operations.
Devotion to the aesthetics of the folk movement led him to active and ongoing support of civil rights and liberties. Ever true to himself, his participation in demonstrations for those causes often found him "in the trenches" delivering food to other followers and providing assistance anywhere it was needed.
By then the bass, in its many forms, had become Steve's musical instrument of choice. For many years he was a fixture in the local music scene playing in different manifestations, much to his delight. Perhaps his favorite contribution was to the Washington Performing Arts Society with the band, Wannabeast.
In the last few years Steve enjoyed full contentment in his home in the woods with Veronica and his brother, Harrison. In his free time his pleasure lay in having fun with them around the house and, as always, composing and playing music. Three years ago he became a grandfather when Suzette's son Jameson William Hudgins was born. Steve played his new role with gusto.
Most recently, after the closing of Damon Galleries, Steve and Taffy Millar, longtime friend and business associate, took up the torch and opened Damon Framing Gallery in Vienna. Everyone in town was proud of its quick success with such competent leaders at the helm. The truest jewel in the crown of Steve's recent happiness was when, on March 17 of this year, he walked his beloved Suzette down the aisle in her marriage to Sam Hudgins.
Left to cherish wonderful memories are Steve's local family and many friends, as well as his brother Hal Rigby (Hope) of Summerville, South Carolina, Harrison Rigby (Karen) of Warrenton, Virginia, his sister Elizabeth Rigby Berry of Greenville, South Carolina, also a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and Veronica's extended family. Passes before him were his brothers-in-law Bruce Berry and William Martian, who each loved him well.
Our Steve was a dear, esteemed and prized part of the community. His intelligence and spirit shone in everything he did. Those closest to him will laugh and cry together for years to come when stories are told of these attributes as well as his wit, humor and many other talents. Love endures.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life, but that great consciousness of life. Jack Kerouac
A hui ho brother Steve! Aloha nui loa, me .ke Aloha, Virginia. See you later brother Steve! Very much love, all my love, Virginia
Our time together at the Frame shop, Vienna Inn and F Arts Sake were good times. Rest In Peace brother, see you on the other side. Burny Trueworthy