Jay Golden Rigby

Jay G. Rigby of Newton, Utah passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, at his home from complications of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Jay was born to Golden and LaVerne Rigby in Newton, Utah, on Aug. 13, 1933. He was raised on the family farm in Newton with six sisters. He attended local schools and graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond in 1951. He then attended and graduated from Utah State Agricultural College (USU) with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1955. He later received a master’s degree in biology from Syracuse University in New York. While attending USU, Jay was enrolled in the ROTC program and eventually served as a First Lieutenant in the 72nd army division stationed at Fort Wertheim, Germany from 1955-57.

In the summer of 1960, he met Helen Price on a blind date set up by mutual friends. They married Jan. 13, 1961 in the Manti LDS Temple. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Syracuse, New York, but farm and family called them back to Newton where they have spent 62 years together.

In the military, Jay discovered a love for teaching and returned to school to get his teaching certification. Jay began his teaching career at Granger High School in the fall of 1958 and then moved to Smithfield Jr. High in 1960. He then began teaching at the brand-new Sky View High School, where he taught biology and chemistry for the next 30 years. He received a teacher of the year award in 1990. Following his retirement in 1992, he spent the next 10 years at USU teaching and supervising science student teachers.

Throughout his life, Jay was always a farmer and enjoyed working on the family farm with his children. His happy place was driving the swather or combine. Even in his last weeks, he wanted to go cut hay. Jay was very active in community leadership positions, serving on various committees, town council and as mayor of Newton. As Mayor one of his major accomplishments was updating the town water system. He received the Outstanding Citizen award for his many years of service. Jay served in many church callings: bishopric, high council, and many years as gospel doctrine teacher. One of his most enjoyable callings was serving with Helen as a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary couple in San Diego, Calif., teaching institute at Grossmont College.

Jay is survived by his spouse, Helen and five of their seven children: ValJay (Raelyn) Rigby, Craig (Kathryn) Rigby, Karla (Dennis) Ferguson, Melinda (Loren) Steck, and Clark (Tami) Rigby; 19 grandchildren; three of his six sisters, Flora Bird, Frances Ravsten and Mary Jenkins; one brother-in-law, Gordon Jenkins, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife’s sister and brother-in-law, Larry and Katie Jean Larsen Jarrett who were special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Golden H. Rigby and LaVerne Barker Rigby, two children, Dennis Rigby and Karen Rigby and one grandchild, Conner Steck; three sisters Joan Nissen, Margene Bradshaw and Barbara Bird and five brothers-in-law who were always his “big brothers”.

To his children, Jay was a wonderful example of hard work and the ability to find enjoyment in a job well done. Jay was patient, slow to anger, and kind. He always taught through his example of honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Jay loved people, getting to know them, and would always make friends wherever he went. His many students were important to him and he always remembered them.

We would like to thank his friends and family for their letters, visits, and compassion as Jay was confined to his home. We would also like to thank Tender Care Hospice, Charbine, Chelsea, Ethan and Dr. Thomas Clark for their kind help and support during Jay’s final weeks.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 14, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Newton Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 76 South 100 West, Newton UT. An additional viewing will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service following at 12:00 noon. Interment will be in the Newton Cemetery. Funeral services can also be viewed BY CLICKING HERE