Harvey Thomas Riggs, also known as Skip, Mr. Skip, Skippy or Big Bird, was born to Harvey Lee and Betty Jane Riggs on April 14, 1947 in Belgium. He passed away peacefully on July 11. Skip was the only son of Harvey and Betty, but the youngest of the three.

Harvey and his sisters spent some time growing up in Lewistown, but later went to school in Cascade. While they all grew up, married, and had families of their own, these three remained very close. Skip thought of the world of his sisters, Margaret Remy Buck, the eldest of Milligan RD, and Betty Jane Courtright of Kansas City.

Skip’s passion was his love for the Honda Gold Winds. Well known in the community for his various Goldwings, but none more so than his last and final Yellow Gold Wing. Skip worked various jobs such as bouncing (more for fun) at the JT, but settled down with what became his work family at Kurt Kessner Construction. Skip took great pride in the structures and establishments he built with Kessner Construction and told stories about them. He never missed his Friday assignment at 3:30 to open the shop for everyone to stop, socialize and have a drink. A time Skip treasured as his friends became his family. He was a social butterfly.

Skip was a very proud man and took pride in doing all he could to help those who loved and cared for him. He had an old soul and a sense of humor that was up there with the best. His laugh was one of a kind, along with his smile, and he will be greatly missed. He loved his Mountain Dew and chicken legs. He enjoyed playing darts, eating at Clark & ​​Lewis, stopping at The Do or the Beacon, really anywhere he could enjoy a conversation with friends. A very familiar face in Electric City and known to many.

Skip is survived by his sister Betty Jane of Kansas, daughter Tina Schmidt of Miles City and Samantha Riggs of Louisiana, his son Harvey Riggs Jr. of Louisiana, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his extended family Tina Bennett, grandsons Teegan and Trisitin Bennett, granddaughters Tavylyn and Teya Bennett, the Goulet and Palmer families.

A memorial service for Skip will be held at the Beacon Ice House on August 11 at 5:00 PM.

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