Farewell

On August 1, 2009, 30 of Gerry's friends and family gathered to scatter Gerry's ashes on sacred ground at Wolf Creek, the ski area, above all others, he loved and held close to his heart for over 35 years. Gerry's presence was felt in the gentle winds that blew on the top of Knife Ridge, several times that afternoon. There was a true representation of Gerry's friends and family and his passions in life, with family from Oklahoma City, friends from his college days in Norman, OK, artists and friends from Colorado Springs, Denver, Pagosa Springs, Taos, Santa Fe, and his musician buddies from Pagosa and South Fork. Many stories were shared and genuine feelings of love for Gerry and how each person came to know him, what he had meant to them, and whatever it was that touched each heart. Gerry left a great legacy of friendships and precious memories to so many, and did more to stay connected with his friends and support the communities of artists (visual, musicians, skiers) he so valued and deeply loved. His legacy will live on. He did make a difference in the world, especially in the art world. Hopefully, the true gift of friendship, he shared with so many, will keep us connected in honor of his life.

Special Event - Gerry Skis Again!

Family and Friends of Gerry Riggs,

On August 1, family and friends will meet at Wolf Creek Ski Area to scatter Gerry's ashes as he requested. If you plan to attend, or have questions, please contact:

Sherry Fairchild, Colorado Springs at email: sdfairchild@mac.com

or cell: (719) 460-8569

or Carl Mori, Pagosa Springs at cell: (970) 903-9875

We would like to have an idea of how many plan to be there.

Transportation will be generously provided by the Wolf Creek Ski area owners and the number of folks planning to attend will determine the mode of transportation up the mountain to the Knife Ridge Outpost, where Gerry's ashes will be scattered. This was one of Gerry's favorite places to be and ski.

If you plan to attend on August 1, please bring a thought, a song, music, a poem, or any offering, and/or blessing you would like to share.

For those interested, we will meet at the Pagosa Brewing Company following. This will be a causal gathering of family and friends to share stories, music, etc.

Food and drink service is available. The Pagosa Brewing Company, is located at 118 N. Pagosa Blvd, southwest of downtown Pagosa Springs, off Highway 160. See MapQuest for directions.

Here are the logistics and details:

Where: Wolf Creek Ski Area near the top of Wolf Creek Pass and the website for maps & information: http://www.wolfcreekski.com/maps.asp

Date: August 1, 2009 - Gerry Riggs - Final Farewell (scattering of ashes) at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Time: 10 a.m. - Meet at the base area at Wolf Creek Ski area, near the ticket office and from there we will ride a lift or be transported up the mountain

Return: Noon - Return to the base area at Wolf Creek

Please feel free to pass this email along to others.

Here are some photos from Jim Meeks -

I was going though some slides at work and came across these.  I worked with Gerry for a while out at the Oklahoma Art Center back in the 80’s and these photos show him with his assistant Mykl Ruffino hanging an Andy Warhol painting.  The slides are dated April, 1996.

Jim Meeks

Chief Preparator/Photographer

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Gerry the photographer -

One final photo I would like to share. This was taken in 1980, at Chimney Rock, just west of Pagosa Springs. There are some Anasazi ruins there. I believe the photo Gerry was making is now at the UCCS Gallery. I have to tell you, I can't stop thinking about him. The tribute at the gallery was wonderful!

Thanks

Paul Biles

We were alerted to this by Tim Cissell -

Below is the image of the January 13, 2006 cover of the Colorado Springs Gazette's "GO!" magazine. It's their Friday Arts & Culture pullout which featured an article about Gerry's retirement from the gallery director position he held at UCCS for 15 years.  The article, by Mark Arnest, paints an appreciative picture of the man in black.  Not sure who did the art here, but it's a great likeness. 

Here's the URL for the article: 

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20060113/ai_n16004596/pg_1

Thanks, Sherry

Throughout the process of understanding the turn of events in the months that preceded Gerry's last days, crucial assistance has come from Gerry's close friend Sherry Fairchild.  Thank you, Sherry, for we can't think of another person who might feel the loss in the way you have, and all the while, your availability and hard work to help us and the communities of Pagosa Springs, Colorado Springs and Oklahoma City through this event is no less than a generous and loving gift from you to Gerry. 

- Friends of Gerry Riggs