Royal J. Rigby

September 19, 1929 ~ December 18, 2021

Royal J. Rigby, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2021, in Layton, UT, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Alta, WY on September 19, 1929, the fourth of seven children, to Elmer Eckersley Rigby and. Myrl Amanda Dabell Rigby.

Royal is reunited with his eternal companion, Francies McRae Rigby, passing away on their 69th wedding anniversary.

Royal is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Francies; brothers Max, Ken, and Alfred Rigby; sisters Ruth Olson and Lucille Stevens; sisters-in-law Evelyn Rigby and Sondra Rigby; and brothers-in-law Cal Olson, Leo Stevens, and Norlan Walker.

He is survived only by a sister, Sheron Walker of Kaysville, UT.

He is lovingly remembered by his sons and daughters, Mike Rigby (Kathy) of Layton, Patricia
Shurtz (Dave) of Roy, Shauna Sherrow (Jay) of Blanding, David Rigby (Jeri) of Layton, and Renee Palmer (Wayne) of Blanding; 40 grandchildren; and 74 great-grandchildren.

Royal was a devoted husband and father. He and Francies raised their family on a small farm, complete with cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, horses, and a large garden.

They also opened their home to at least 15 other individuals, who lived with the family for several months to years.

Royal loved waterskiing and fishing with family and friends, gardening, and working in his woodshop, where he made toys, birdhouses, Christmas gifts, wedding plaques, and additional items, most often for others.

Royal spent his life devoted to the service of God and his fellowman, always striving to help others in any capacity.

Royal served in the army during the Korean War. He earned his undergraduate degree in vocational agriculture from the University of Arizona, becoming an elementary educator, teaching school for over 25 years.

Royal was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in New Zealand and often spoke of his incredible love for the Maori people.

He served valiantly in every capacity in his church callings, including as a ward missionary, teacher, and a scoutmaster for over 20 years. Royal took his calling as a scoutmaster very seriously, advancing many young men through the ranks of scouting.

He and Francies served four couple missions – one in Tonga, two in Mexico, and one in Martin’s Cove, WY.

Services will be held on Monday, December 27 at the Rock Chapel of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2455 Valley View Drive, Layton.

The viewing will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the family prayer, and funeral services at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Lindquist Cemetery at 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, UT.