In characteristic fashion, Harold Wayne Rigsby left this world in style on the beautiful spring Saturday of April 12th at nearly midnight on a full Pink Moon, that was in the sign of Aries no less, his own zodiac sign, at the age of 80. He was surrounded by the love and laughter of his family in his final days watching the birds and squirrels in the trees and listening to jazz.
The son of Basil and Ruth Rigsby, Harold was a native of Glasgow and beloved wildlife artist whose career started doing portraits at Cave City’s Wondering Woods and he painted many of the backgrounds of the Wildlife Museum in the 1970’s. His work took off with a portrait of Elvis Presley in 1977 and evolved into the wildlife work he was best known for. Though he painted and sculpted, his preferred medium for wildlife was pastel as it lent to the soft texture of animal fur. Harold was featured in a number of art, wildlife, and conservation magazines and was recognized for his work across the nation.
A lover of art, nature, and music, Harold also knew the names and origins of just about every animal on this planet and would catch a snake just so he could hold and admire it.
No one who knew him could argue that Harold lived his life on his own terms. Never conforming to anyone’s expectations, as so perfectly described in the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way.” He will be missed desperately by those who love him.
Harold is survived by his wife, Trish; son, Shahn Rigsby (Lisa Frye); daughters, Susan Rigsby and Laura Rigsby Orsland (Eric); his five grandchildren, Taylor, Grace, and Ella Hagan, and Frannie and Paul Rigsby- Tinch; sister, Gayle Steenbergen (Bobby).
Harold requested no memorial service, but expressions of sympathy can be made in contributions to Art Sanctuary in Louisville, KY at their website art-sanctuary.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel.
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