Clear, 31° F
(Sept. 18, 1933 - May 8, 2012)
Norwood E. “Riggie” Long of Meeteetse, formerly of Casper, died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at his home in Meeteetse. He was 78.
He was born in Miles City, Mont., to Kleo and Blondina (Baldock) Long on Sept. 18, 1933. In August 1952 he married Helen Johnson and they had four children. They later divorced.
Riggie began working for BP Amoco right out of high school, in the Gas Plant in Midwest, Wyo. In 1962 Riggie transferred to Meeteetse, where he was a maintenance foreman. He later became a production foreman for the Four Bear Oil Field and the pipeline. He retired after 34 years of service in 1986 at the age of 54.
In June of 1972 he married Irene Cole Woody. Irene and Riggie blended their families together, her five children and his four. They enjoyed many years together and would have been married 40 years this June.
In 1990 Riggie and Irene started their second career as caretakers at Independence Rock Rest Area and State Park. They lived there the better part of 22 years. They enjoyed visiting with many people who stopped along the way and enjoyed the history around the area.
The Place in the Snowy Range at Saratoga became their home in 1999, only to return to Independence Rock in 2001 where they lived until recently. On March 28, Riggie and Irene moved back to Meeteetse to be near his daughter. He enjoyed the last month with his family and new friends, and was excited about helping prepare the garden for planting. Riggie raised canaries for many years and had many beautiful singers. He was proud of the new babies being hatched recently. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed making wine and brewing beer to share with his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Irene; and children Teressa Diggs of Cheyenne, Steve (Sandie) Long of Casper, Vivian Butchart of Thermopolis, and Kristine ( Allen) Hogg of Meeteetse; siblings: Kleotha (Bob) Ludgate of Casper, Bill (Joya) Tighe of Casper, and Jim Tighe of Glenrock; step-children; Sharon (Bob) Paben, of Meeteetse, Lyle Woody of Casper, Rena Woody of Douglas, Daniel Woody of Meeteetse, Cheryl Woody of Grand Junction, Colo.; 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Vivian Tighe, and brother Thomas Tighe.
At Riggie’s request, no services are planned and his ashes will be buried at a later date followed by a celebration of his life. Arrangements have been entrusted with Ballard Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ballardfh.com.
