Obituary of Kevin Edward Rigdon

Kevin was born in Portland, Oregon on a cold rainy day in December of 1969 to Ken and Marilyn Rigdon. Maybe this is why he always preferred the rain over the sun in his later life.  Kevin graduated from Oregon City High School in 1988 and went on to pursue post high school classes at Portland, Clackamas and Mt. Hood Community Colleges.  He graduated with a Graphic Arts Degree in Phoenix Arizona’s Graphic Arts School.  Other educational and career paths led him to the radio industry and truck driving.  Since 2004 Kevin worked as a custodian for the Oregon City School District.  He often joked he was going to write a book called, “My Life Behind a Johnny Mop.”  That would have been a very funny book. 

 

Kevin was a proud member of the Society for Creative Anachronism and the House Daos where he held the offices of Grand Inquisitor, Castellan, Inquisitor, Quartermaster, Aeon Babylon player and member of the Prophet’s Guard rapier company.  He was very proud of his association with both of these organizations and loved participating in all of the events.

 

Kevin was very artistic and enjoyed literature, history, music, writing and drawing.  He was also known to perform in the occasional play and was an amazing storyteller.  With a simple word, Kevin could weave the most magical tales of intrigue and adventure.  Some of the best stories he told were recounting historical events.  Kevin could make them come to life and keep anyone listening hanging on every word.  

 

Anyone who knew Kevin, knew of his love for Star Wars and H.P. Lovecraft.  He enjoyed watching pretty much any sci-fi movies, even the bad B-rated ones.   Kevin’s sense of punctuality was to him, a sign of respect to others, even if he had to find a good book to read to kill the extra hour of waiting in his car.  

 

Kevin might have been big and burly, but he was a deep thinker with a soft soul and a strong belief in right and wrong.  This philosophy was the guiding light of his life… do unto others as you would have them do unto you.   He was honest and honorable.  When people compare Kevin to a white knight, it is not far from the truth.  He often said he was born a couple of centuries too late.  These traits are why he was able to maintain close friendships with his group of gaming buddies from high school for over 30 years and why he is so deeply missed by all who knew him.

 

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, Ken Rigdon.  He is survived by his mother, Marilyn; sister and brother-in-law Gail and Brian Lockard; his cousin Jason Walker and his wonderfully selfish cat, Mr. Cheeky. 

 

A celebration of life is scheduled for this fall. In remembrance donations can be made to Passages Arts Foundation, which helps provide funding resources for local children who desire to pursue the arts as a career or to enrich their lives.  To donate click here:  Passages Arts Foundation https://givebutter.com/PassagesArtsFoundation.

 

Cremation arrangements were provided by Crown Memorial Centers, Milwaukie, OR.

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