Harold Algin Riggie

Harold Algin Riggie, age 82 of Midland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 20, 2025. He was born to the late Algin V. and Betty J. (Herman) Riggie on February 6, 1943 in Midland where he was raised and educated.

Harold worked from the time he was a teenager, working for his father-in-law at the family-owned gas station in Clare, then working at Tri-City Plastics.  Together, after they married, Harold and Sharon managed the Redwood Motel for two years.  When he was young, he learned how to do refrigeration work from his uncle Ivan Riggie, and then he was able to start his own business, Riggie Refrigeration Service, in his 20s. Harold spent 10 years with Dow Chemical Co. working as a pipefitter before going on to work with Smiley Plumbing and Heating, retiring in 2003 after 15 years of service. Along with his work, he was also a 45 year member of the Local 85 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.

Harold loved traveling, hunting and fishing and was very industrious and always had many projects in the works. Besides enjoying working on engines and various machinery, including the DoodleBug that his grandfather built, he could always find a conventional or, more often, unconventional way of fixing things. Harold found joy in being a member and president of the Midland Antique Engine Club. His leadership skills in many facets of his life encouraged others to work as a team. He understood that success was often found from valuing the "board of directors" of one's life. He enjoyed seeing a team of people working together, and the Midland Antique Engine Club's annual tractor show was always a highlight of his year. His love of tractors also led him to become a member of the Two Cylinder Club where he participated in many tractor pulls.

Harold loved to tell stories about his vast life experiences spanning his 82 years living in Midland, including how his grandfather used to sit at the Woolworth's deli counter and chat with the man who invented Saran Wrap at Dow. Harold's stories were always intriguing. Since he loved to connect with people, he was well known all around Midland, even by bankers, pharmacists, and other service providers. Wherever he was, and whatever he was doing, he enjoyed stopping to chat with friends and strangers alike.

Harold had loving memories of both of his grandfathers. Roland Herman bought him a calf so he could raise it. Later Harold sold the calf at a livestock auction. Harold's father and grandfather sat him on a horse when he was only 5 years old as they worked in the hay field. His grandpa George Riggie said, "I'm going to get rid of those horses and get me a tractor." Harold said that at 5 years old he would sit on the tractor hoping grandpa would let him drive it.  When George Riggie died in 1956, the tractor was sold, but years later Harold was able to find the tractor and buy it back.

Harold was past Master of Midland Centre Lodge 273 Free and Accepted Masons and had attained the honorary 33rd degree with the Scottish Rite. He was also involved with the Knights Templar Bay City Commandery #26, Royal Arch Masons, Saginaw Council 20 of Royal Select Masons, and was a recipient of the Purple Cross of Constantine. Harold also served as Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection.

Harold will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Riggie of Midland; daughters, Donna Riggie of Midland; Kelly (Dave) Hawkins of Plymouth, MI; grandchildren, Tim Hawkins, Adam Hawkins, Allison Hawkins, Buck Riggie, Shane Riggie; grand-dog, Diamond; and siblings, Michael (Beverly) Riggie and Susan (Robert) Wirgau. He was preceded in death and welcomed home to heaven by his parents and in-laws as well as his son, Wayne Riggie.

Harold's funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Midland Baptist Church, 5009 Jefferson Ave. Midland, MI 48640. Pastor Jim Payne will officiate with burial to be in Homer Twp Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640, on Sunday from 3:00pm-7:00pm and on Monday from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Additional visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. There will be a Masonic service for Harold held on Monday starting at 7:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Midland Baptist Church.