Thomas Riggs, 86, of Wabush, NL, Canada, passed away on August 04, 2022 after a short illness.

Tom was born on Monday, December 23rd, 1935 to James and Maude in the town of Bay De Verde Newfoundland. He fished with his father as a young boy and man, joined the Newfoundland Constabulary in early adulthood and after ten years on the force, he began work with Scully Mines on March 8th, 1965 where he retired in 2001. He met Regina Brophy in 1962, and they wed, going on to have three children, Noel, Janice and Deborah. Thomas was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Like many Newfoundlanders born of his generation, he wanted to give his children the things he was never able to have growing up as a child in the 1930s and 40s in rural Newfoundland. His children and grandchildren meant more to him than anything else in the world. Tom was also a passionate community leader in the town of Wabush and a true pioneer, where he served as the the president of local Steelworkers 6285 twice, going on to fight for the rights of the miners alongside his union brothers and sisters in the early days of the town and beyond. He also served on the Wabush Town Council, and many other local and Provincial boards and organizations such as the Local Improvement Board. He was actively involved in political initiatives and was President of the Federal PC Party for Labrador, and VP for the Provincial PC Party attending conventions all over Canada representing various levels of government until he resigned in May, 2022. He sat at countless boardroom tables and meetings over the years for the betterment of his community. He truly loved his chosen home in Labrador. Thomas was predeceased by his father James, his mother Maude, his sister Bridget, his beloved wife Regina, and his beloved daughter Deborah. He is survived by his brothers Gerald and Andrew, his sister Gertrude, his son Noel, his daughter Janice, his grandchildren Thomas, Avril and James, and his many friends, especially those he would gather with at the Labrador Mall. There will be a funeral service at 2:00pm on Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Wabush Labrador, immediately followed by a reception for all family and friends at the Knights of Columbus in Wabush.

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