Archibald Riga
Passed in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 11th, 2014
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Archibald Riga, 97, of Halifax, who passed away suddenly on Friday, July 11, 2014. Born in Popoli, Italy, Archie, the son of the late Massimiliano ‘Thomas’ and Stella (Pucci) Riga, immigrated to Canada as a young boy.
In his early years, Archie played an integral part in the family businesses, namely, Riga’s Spaghetti Shop, as well as a masonry company. For the greater part of his working life, Archie worked as a stone mason/bricklayer in the construction industry. He was also a veteran of the Second World War.
Archie was an avid outdoorsman whose hobbies included gardening, fly fishing, and fly tying. After his retirement, Archie became an accomplished artist in oil painting and, up until his passing, loved to work out at the gym at Northwood. In his quiet times, Archie enjoyed the solitude of a good book especially those by Louis L’Amour. Very much a family man, Archie was happiest surrounded by his loving family and friends enjoying a huge Italian meal.
Left to mourn his passing are his children, June, Halifax; Thomas (Rose), New Waterford; Rosina (George Abbott), Hacketts Cove; grandchildren, Benita (Michael Feit), Port Elgin; Angella (Matthew), Port Hawkesbury; Michael Abbott, Vancouver; Mark Abbott, Edmonton; and great- grandchildren, Emily, Michael, and Jude. He is also survived by in-laws, Kaye Riga, Eph Arsenault, Sonja MacInnis, Lillian and Reginald Jessome, Joseph and Marie Bianchini; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth; sister, Clara; and brothers, John and Hector.
The family would like to thank Dr. Conter, his family physician, for his excellent care over the years. We would also like to thank Revera and Bayshore Home Health Agency staff for the wonderful support that allowed Dad to live independently until his passing. Special thanks to Northwood staff and volunteers who enriched Dad’s life in so many ways. Finally, we would like to thank the QEII staff for their excellent care during his recent hospitalization.
There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay, on Friday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. The Reverend Leo Boone will be officiating. A reception will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home and Curry’s Funeral Home, Glace Bay. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com or www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com.
