Our condolences to family, friends and colleagues of Heath Kenyon Riggs who served as a Professor of Mathematics in the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics for 31 years, from 1953 until his retirement in 1984.  He also served as a faculty instructor for UVM’s National Science Foundation Summer Institute for math teachers, and as Director of Admissions and Records for UVM.

He obtained his B.S. degree 1940 from UVM in mathematics with cum laude honors, and Master’s degrees from UVM and the University of Chicago, and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

“Heath was in every sense a gentleman and a scholar and will be missed greatly,” said Jack Lawlor, senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, and long time friend. “He taught the first courses in computer programming at UVM and created a course entitled, ‘The Mathematics of Space Flight’ following a sabbatical leave at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.”

“Heath was admired most for the practical mathematical knowledge that he shared with students during classes and labs, as well as for work outside the classroom,” says James Burgmeier, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics.  “His goal was to inspire students to explore the many aspects of the applications of the mathematical sciences.”

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 3 pm in the Richmond Congregational Church in Richmond, Vermont.  Refreshments will follow the services. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to a memorial contribution to Richmond Rescue, P.O. Box 404 or to the Richmond Historical Society, Box 453, Richmond, VT 05477. 

Condolences may be sent to Harriet Wheatley Riggs, P.O. Box 47, Richmond, VT 05477.

To access obituary from The Burlington Free Press visit:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/burlingtonfreepress/obituary.aspx?n=heath-kenyon-riggs&pid=150549350