Michael Riggs, 75, of Carmel, passed away Feb. 28, 2018, with his wife of 53 years, Susan, by his side.

Known for his sense of humor, sharp tongue and witty remarks, affectionately referred to as “Mikeyisms” by those who loved him, Mike had a heart of gold behind his tough exterior. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 29, Mike set out to prove that the diagnosis was not a death sentence.

Mike loved tailgating at IU and would often show up and surprise his daughter at school. He also loved driving his grandsons to church every Sunday and taking them to Hardee’s afterward. He prided himself on making everyone around him laugh and smile and always had a joke for the occasion.

But the thing Mike was most passionate about was mentoring others with MS. In 1991, he participated in a charity walk with his daughter for the Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which led to his 20 plus years of service work as a mentor. Mike was a person that gave of himself no matter what. He was there to hold the hand of the recently diagnosed and fill them with hope and courage, showing by example that they could still live their life to the fullest.

Even when the diseased progressed, it didn’t alter his spirit.  He was known to give the grandkids rides on his scooter and playfully swat people with his cane. When he became bedridden, he’d hold your hand tightly so you couldn’t get away, and he’d try to steal your drink if you weren’t looking. His spirit was infectious and he was cracking jokes until the very end.

Gabby, Mike’s granddaughter, summed it up best when she wrote,  “My grandpa was the strongest person I know when my mom was only 4 years old he was diagnosed with MS. This disease slowly takes everything away from you.   You and me we can wiggle our toes and walk to get a glass of water, MS takes that from you, but still in the last time I saw him he smiled and was happy. But that’s not really his entire story, sure it may have been apart of him but he definitely did not let it define him. He made sure that everyone around him was smiling, having fun most likely while he was drinking some scotch. My youngest memory of him was sitting in my house, I was riding on his lap as he drove his scooter round and round. Laughing and laughing “keep going keep going” as he kept on going as fast as he could. I believe that everyone is given a life they can handle. He was given this awful thing, but he made it into something unforgettable. A life full of many laughs, smiles, tears, these things have made some amazing memories for me and I am sure everyone is us in this room. My grandpa was an amazing father, husband, uncle, grandfather, father in law, brother, Great grandfather, and most of all a friend. This is why he will always be a part of me and I will always be thankful for every last thing he did. “

Professionally, Mike worked in the insurance industry starting his career at Diversified Insurance and ending with his own agency, Riggs & Associates.   He served in the Indiana National Guard as a 2^nd lieutenant.

Mike is survived by his wife, Susan; children Rodney (Julie) Riggs, Rachael (Chris Gowe) Riggs, grandchildren: Drew Misner (Leigha), Griffin Riggs (Natalie), Mason Riggs, Gabriella Nocera, Isabella Nocera, Sister Judith Ann Foreman, many nieces and nephews and great granddaughter Cora Leigh.

He is also survived by friend and caregiver Derico Young, who cared for him with grace, dignity and a true friendship.

In lieu of services, there will be a celebration of life later this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana Chapter

3500 DePauw Blvd.

Suite 1040

Indianapolis, IN 46268

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/INI/Donate