Joseph "Joe" Donald Rigley

Joseph “Joe” Donald Rigley

             1952-2022

Joseph “Joe” Donald Rigley, husband of Carolyn (Whitty) Rigley for over 48 loving years, passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on November 7, 2022, at the age of 70.

Born in Chatham, May 18, 1952, he was the son of both the late Hubert (Bud) Rigley and Evelyn (Clancy) Rigley.  He was a retired Lab Technician at Repap Papermill. 

Joe’s world revolved around his family who meant everything to him: his son Joe Rigley and wife Ya-Ling Huang, his daughter Sarah Rigley MacDonald and husband Peter MacDonald, and his son David Rigley and wife Cindy Blakney.

When his grandchildren made him “Papa Joe”, he was overjoyed.  They were the light of his life:  Ronan and Tessa MacDonald, and Charlie and Emily Rigley. 

Joe was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his siblings:  Kathy (Rigley) Kingston and Leonard Kingston, John (Jack) Rigley and Beth (Lordon) Rigley, Evelyn (Rigley) Fletcher and Michael Fletcher, Don Rigley and Michelle Daigle, Mary (Rigley) McEathron and Eldon McEatheron, and several nieces and nephews. 

In his younger years Joe played hockey and slow pitch ball and enjoyed hunting season with his friends.  He spent summer weekends camping with his family, exploring nature trails and teaching his children to fish.  Over the years, due to worsening multiple sclerosis, Joe had to retire early and give up the pastimes he so enjoyed but not once did he ever complain.  His mantra was “There’s always someone worse off than me.”  With advanced MS, Joe made the difficult decision to move into a nursing home and continued his positive attitude there.  He was beloved by staff and residents at Mount Saint Joseph and then Losier Hall where he always had a quick remark and loved to gently tease and laugh.  Some staff nicknamed him “Superman” for his bright blue eyes and his inner strength.  It was very fitting as, even in his final weeks, he could sometimes find the strength to give a crooked smile and a thumbs up to those caring for him in the Intensive Care Unit at Miramichi Regional Hospital. 

For those that knew Joe there is no doubt that, in his own quiet way, he was one of the strongest men we’ll ever know. 

Following Joe’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. 

Please Note: A Celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at the Chatham Pioneer Senior Citizens Club, 15 Ellis St., Miramichi, NB, on June 11, 2023, from 1-3 PM.  

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Charis Lynch, NP who was outstanding in her care of Joe, and to the wonderful staff of O’Reilly Court at Losier Hall.  We would also like to thank the medical staff of the Emergency, Intensive Care, and Palliative Care Units as well as 3 East at Miramichi Regional Hospital.  Their kindness and humanity in caring for Joe will never be forgotten. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Easter Seals New Brunswick, or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, NB, telephone (506)773-3492, or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

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Est. 1956

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