... a man you don’t meet every day
Marc David Richard Rigby
July 27, 1969 – January 21, 2011
Obituary | Tributes | Service of Celebration | Photo Gallery | Marc's Xmas Baskets
If you have memories of Marc that you would like to share, please send them to us at tributes@marcrigby.ca.
Guest Registry at Smith’s | Facebook Page
From the Guest Registry at Smith’s:
Duncan Hood, friend (23 January):
Wickedly funny, stunningly generous, smart, honest and kind. Marc was great friend for almost 25 years. His loss at such a young age is profoundly tragic, but I feel so lucky to have known him. When I think back to the best times of my life, Marc was always there. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone else who loved him.
Eunice and Warren, friends:
Mark was a wonderful person and we enjoyed the many years that he was part of our family. Our thoughts are with your family at this very sad time. With our deepest sympathy Eunice and Warren Bamber
Gary Folker, friend:
The world truly only had one Marc...and with his departure we all feel the loss! I feel fortunate to have known Marc ...God’s speed on your journey Marc and thank you for being a friend!
Dale Rideout-Moores, colleague (24 January):
I met Marc through work 5 years ago. In that time, I came to know him as a smart, witty, unique individual. He was one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever met – and a gourmet cook to boot. My condolences to his family and close friends - he was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.
Larry Chester, instructor:
My sincere regrets. Marc was a student of mine at the U of T one year ago. Despite his courageous fight with his illness, he brought his boundless curiosity and wonderful insights to each evening session. It could not have been easy for him, but he completed his assignments each week and participated fully in the course. I enjoyed having him as a student and, learning of his condition, was gratified that he wanted to learn new things and to make a meaningful contribution to his world. What a terrific guy!
Murray Clark, friend and co-worker:
Marc will be deeply missed. His wonderful sense of humour put a smile on many a face. I have very fond memories of Marc as a friend and as a dedicated co-worker who was always willing and able to help. The thoughts of the Clark family are with Malcolm, Barb, Mike and family and of course with Marc.
Don Stewart, colleague at Systems Xcellence:
I was very saddened to learn of Mark’s passing. My deepest condolences to Malcolm, Barb and family.
Stan Thompson, friend of Malcolm (father):
Dear Malcolm and Barbara, I was so sorry to learn of Marcs’ passing. It is a tragic event that should not happen. Parents are not meant to bury their children. Cheryl and I know from experience. Our deepest sympathy to you both and to your family. May God bless and comfort you all through your grieving. Our thoughts are with you. May Marc rest in Peace and his memory live on and comfort you both. Sincerely, Stan and Cheryl
Dianna Heston, friend:
I had the pleasure of meeting Marc over five years ago as a colleague. With my frequent trips to Toronto and his coincidentally taking on a project in my hometown of Portland, Oregon, he quickly became a friend. I thoroughly enjoyed our many conversations, greatly appreciated his wit and wisdom, and lived vicariously though him in many ways with his jetting of to Paris; hearing stories of the many contests he entered and the few he won; witnessing the way he spiffed up his already dapper wardrobe with each new job he took; heard of the many elaborate parties and events he pulled together – although I rarely got to attend just reading the invitation was a lark! I will miss Marc very much, and will always be in awe of the courage and optimism with which he faced his illness. My heartfelt condolences to Marc’s family, many friends, and to Janice, who I know helped make his past few years all the better.
Aubrey Friesner, former colleague at xwave:
We’ll miss this fun-spirited super-bright fellow dearly. Rest easy, my friend.
Peter Fieger, colleague, friend:
Malcolm, Barb, Michael and extended family - I am sorry I cannot be there with you this week. I had a great visit with Marc this past fall when he came to Victoria and am thankful to have been able to enjoy some time with him. I know Marc will be lovingly remembered by many people, and offer my condolences to all of you.
Istvan Zsanko, colleague:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Marc’s passing. I will always remember Marc as a unique, extremely smart and talented individual with a great sense of humor. My deepest condolences to Malcolm, Barb, Mike and family.
Brent and Donna Henry, friends (25 January):
Worked with Marc when he was a co-op student at TXN. Good friends with Malcolm and Barb, Harry and Gladys. Marc will be truly missed. Our sympathies and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Karen Albertson, colleague of Janice:
I am sending my deepest sympathies to Janice and her family. I am so sorry that you have lost such a wonderful man. I hope that he lives on in your memory and as time goes on, he makes you smile when you think of him.
Nick Felicio, colleague:
Marc was one of the good guys. His smile warmed the room when you saw him - you knew you were in good company. Marc, you will always be with us in our hearts and memories.
Beth Hennings and colleagues of Janice Kent:
So sad to hear about Marc. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. From your colleagues in the Secondary Alternative Schools-West
Marko Maric, colleague:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Marc’s passing. Marc will be missed by all of us. My deepest condolences to family.
Susan Horbay, friend:
Words cannot express the sadness I feel at the loss of Marc. Marc was the kindest, most generous person in the world. His spirit and love of life touched those lucky enough to be around him--my family as a prime example. Although our lives moved in different directions I was sadly aware of Marc’s long and brave struggle with his terrible illness. His fortitude is the true testiment to the person he was. David, Susan and Ali send our biggest hugs to Barb, Malcom, Mike and Jen. Remember all the wonderful moments and years, they will help with the hurt.
Bill Blackborow, former co-worker at SXC:
My deepest sympathies to the family. My prayers are with all of you.
Robert Pelletier, colleague:
It is with great sadness I heard the news of Marc’s passing away. My thoughts are with you and yours at this very difficult time.
Jane Deluzio, friend of Janice:
Dear Janice, I am saddened to hear about Marc’s death. I just want you to know how much you are cared about and to to send you my heartfelt sympathy.
Scott Sheppard, friend:
Marc was a very smart and funny guy! He will be missed. R.I.P. Marc!
Eric Groody, family friend:
Malcolm, Barb and All, My sincere condolences on the loss of Marc. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Eric
Liana Farronato, co-worker:
My condolences to Marc’s family. May he rest in peace!
Paul Bernardez, colleague:
It was a privilege to know and to work with Marc at xwave. He will truly be missed. My regrets that I cannot attend the service due to prior engagements.
Nancy Tibbits, co-worker:
My condolences to Marks family and friends. Though I did not work with him for long he was very well respected and I very much enjoyed working with him. He will truly be missed. Nancy
Anna Wroblewska, former co-worker at Systems Xcellence:
I was very sorry to learn of Marc’s passing. I was very fortunate to have known him at Systems Xcellence, he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to Malcolm, Barb, Mike and Family.
George and Christine Murphy, former colleagues:
We had the great pleasure to know and work with Marc. His integrity and ability to "rise above" in the face of adversity will continue to inspire us. Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Rebecca Gagan, friend:
Marc was a deeply generous, gentle, and genuine soul who inspired others with his countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. He will be missed by so many and I extend my deepest sympathies to all of his loved ones (which includes his raccoon friends at home who will, no doubt, miss him terribly).
Jo Ann Fawcett, friend:
Marc you are nothing short of amazing. Your sense of humour, wisdom, adventuresome spirit and huge heart for all those around you will not be forgotten. You lived life to its fullest and found the positive in every situation. I have so many wonderful memories of joke gifts, strange new foods and constant laughter. My blessing to your family and Janice as I will miss you dearly. Much love Jo Ann
Jody Puskarz, colleague:
While I only met Marc a handful of times, he was always very kind and knowledgeable. He will be remembered for his dedication and kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
Karyn Rowe, friend:
Marc was indeed a very special soul. He was an inspiration and a true example of how to live life to the fullest. To his family, may God bless you and give you strength at this difficult time. Karyn Rowe
Bruce and Madie Ralston, friend of our daughter Tiffany (26 January):
We are so sorry to hear about Marc. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bruce and Mandie Ralston
Shridhar Rangaswamy, colleague:
Marc Rigby was instrumental in helping us succeed recently on a tough assignment.He was knowlegeable and kind, always willing to help us inspite of any adversity that he was facing.He will be truly missed and my deepest condolences to his family and dear ones. Shri
Steve and Nancy Rome, colleague at SXC and friend (28 January):
A truly terrific sense of humour that could turn your mood around. When Marc delivered a funny line, it was followed by that second look, and twinkle in the corner of his eye that was his way of saying he succeeded in delivering the smile. We feel very privileged to have known and worked with Marc. Our deepest condolences go out to Barb, Malcolm, Mike and the rest of the family. Steve and Nancy Rome & family.
Terri Newell nee Turfus, co-worker (18 February)
I just learned of the passing of Marc and am in total shock! My deepest condolences to Malcolm, Barb & Michael. Marc was always kind and treated me with respect through-out all the years I worked with him. He cared for everyone that he came in contact with and he was well respected! He will be truly missed. R.I.P. Marc!!
From the Facebook Page:
Robert Sinding: Marc Rigby. One of my best friends. Cancer. He made a difference. Appreciate brilliance and beauty and decency whenever you have the privilege of its presence. He lived his life like a work of art....
We watched our friends grow up together
And we saw them as they fell.
Some of them fell into Heaven.
Some of them fell into Hell.
You’re the measure of my dreams.
And some other quotes from Stan Rogers and Pogues of course from me, Jamie Neilson and Jamie Adam.
Jamie Adam: Goodbye Marc. You were a decent and intelligent man. Our world is poorer for your passing... You never gave up and you never complained. We will miss you.
Sharon Guger: Marc was always a gentleman and a gentle man... (even in grade 5). This is such sad news but thank you for connecting us to celebrate Marc’s life.
Scott Sheppard: WOW Shocking news... Way too young!
Angela Saad: You were a kind, loving, dear hearted soul... you will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Cam Topp: I was stunned to hear that Marc has passed. I wish his family and all of his friends my condolences. I have thought of Marc over the years from time to time but have never met up with him again since high school... I am sure that I am poorer for it. I am in Vietnam at the time of the funeral otherwise I would have been honoured to attend. Rob, please raise a glass on my behalf and yell that 'one has been taken too early’. Goodbye Marc.
Serena Lowartz-Adam: Marc Rigby (1969-2011). A dear friend since high school. Ever generous and ever thoughtful. Unfailingly stoic and fiercely determined in the face of his final struggle. I wish we had more time with him. We miss you already, Marc.
Rob Moir: Man this is sad news to hear. However, trust Marc to find a cause to party right around Robbie Burns night. I hadn’t seen Marc in a while – trips to Ontario have been pretty focused on my mom who is ill too. We have written back and forth, but not met in person.... If I don’t make it, I will have my fill of Guinness here in memory of Marc....
Victor Zaw: I’m sorry I missed the day, I am out of the country until tonight. I’ve been thinking about Marc and all of his friends and family. RIP Marc Rigby.
Ellen Newbold: I am sorry to hear this news. I hope the service yesterday was filled with good memories, and that these memories may comfort his family at this time.
Rakiyah Moynan: Sorry I could not have been there yesterday, as I am currently out of town. My sympathies go out to all those affected by this terrible loss of a wonderful man.
Blair Boadway: My deepest regrets that I won’t be making it back. I’ll be there in spirit, raising a glass, thinking of Marc. A truly fine and decent fellow that will be missed.
Karen Beattie: I won’t be able to make it but I’ll be sending supportive thoughts.
Karen Hoy: So sad. My sympathies to his friends and family.
Greg Jones: Sorry sorry to hear the news about Marc. My thoughts are with his family and dear friends.