In Memory of

LeRae

June

Rigney

Obituary for LeRae June Rigney

LeRae June Rigney (Nee Heineman)
October 17, 1963 – June 25, 2019
Life is like a zip line. To experience the thrills and to get to the other side, we have to let go. On June 25, 2019, LeRae took her last and most exhilarating Zip Line jump of all; off the great platform of Life. Destination: The Unknown. Still zipping in this world are her devoted husband Scott, light of her life, her son Brad, beloved mother Astrid and little sis Theo.
LeRae harnessed into Life’s Great Adventure on October 17, 1963. From the time she could see over a steering wheel, her proud dad (Robert – predeceased) had her flying high and fast as his right hand helper on the farm. Hard work and mastering tractors, combines and semi-trucks fostered her confidence and work ethic at a young age. As a teen, her thrill on four legs was her horse Scotty, who loved to race anything on wheels no matter if they were in the ditch or the middle of the highway; a perfect match for LeRae!
After high school, LeRae thought she would follow in her moms’ footsteps and got in line at the Nursing School Zipline. She abandoned that cable after discovering that it was too slow and decided to look for something more thrilling. She thought the Faculty of Agriculture might have potential… and did it ever! With-in a few days she met a big handsome bloke named Scott (not to be confused with the horse) who she has been zipping with ever since.
In 1990 LeRae and Scott hitched up for a double ride. LeRae was so fortunate to have found her unconditional safety net. The most joyous peak was the arrival of their son Brad four years later. Like all zipline parks the ride was up and down but a strong life line always brought them to smooth sailing eventually. LeRae wanted a thrill a minute and it was even better if Scott and Brad were along for the ride. Many hours were spent in the hockey rink as Brad’s biggest fan and there were many, many camping trips. Spur of the moment cables took her on flight simulators, up Pikes peak, exploring dinosaur parks, and many other adventures.
In her career, LeRae always sought to excel to the best of her ability, but she was never on one platform for too long. Once she mastered something, she looked for a more challenging zip. Along the way, she was an award winning Farm Business Consultant, Revenue Canada Auditor and dabbled in several of her own ventures. One of her most appreciated and valued gifts was her stabilizing and trusted support of both Scott and Theo in their respective businesses.
Along the way, LeRae embraced the Self-Development Zipline. One of the peaks on this Zip was achieving the highest levels in Toastmasters and encouraging friends and family to join the adventure including her amazing mom. No matter what line she was on LeRae always wanted to make the ride better and higher for everyone involved.
Some of LeRae’s adventurous ziplines included the “Girls Gone Wild” Alaska cruise with her mom and Theo and exploring the Panama Canal, South America and the Caribbean with her family.
LeRae had the wisdom to know that while on a zipline excess baggage is NOT a good idea as it interferes with the experience! Its ok to bring a few useful items such as a camera, and a good pair of travelling shoes but too much baggage slows you down. LeRae truly and deeply valued the “simple things” in life. First and foremost, just Being with her boys or with family and friends around the fire pit (as long as she had command of the poker), and spending time in nature. LeRae was a devoted daughter ensuring the best care and support for her mom that included many hours goose creeping and deer stalking together.
When a cancer diagnosis made LeRae aware that the ride might be shorter than expected, she saw it as life’s greatest gift. Understanding that just like a Zip Line, its over in a flash, her life came into came into full and living color (5D and no less!). She courageously leaped into the unknown embracing the thrill of the journey. (And how better to make the ride more exciting than to make it steeper). She zipped for five weeks in Hawaii, took in the splendor of Ontario’s fall foliage and Niagara Falls, the fun of the New Mexico’s balloon festival and playing in the surf at Ixtapa to name a few. LeRae and her family are deeply grateful for the many family and friends who stabilized her ride with their love and support.
As in everything in Life, LeRae excelled at beating Cancer. She was a superstar to her medical team (although irritating to some as she followed her instincts and not always their advice) as she achieved extraordinary success and was beating the odds. Just over the hill there was an unexpected twist landing her on the final platform. Her message would be life is much more fun if you don’t take it too seriously. Let go and trust…and its ok to scream along the way.
She has requested her family and friends to join in a Celebration of her Life (AKA a party) to be held at the Qualico Family Center in Assiniboine park on Monday July 8, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cancer Care Manitoba.
For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. (204) 275-5555