Clyde Odell Rigby

Apr 19, 1934 — Jul 4, 2026

Clyde Odell Rigby, 92, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho.

Clyde was born on April 19, 1934, in Montpelier, Idaho, to John and Geneva Rigby.

He was the second of six boys and grew up on the family dairy farm outside Montpelier. Those early years taught him the value of hard work and gave him a lifelong love of the outdoors. He also developed a fondness for buttermilk, which remained one of his favorite treats throughout his life. He attended Montpelier High School, where he played football . After graduation, he attended Idaho State University, earning a degree in Pharmacology in 1957.

On September 4, 1953, he married Lois Taylor of Paris, Idaho. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Their first home was in Malad, Idaho, where Clyde began his pharmacy career. They later moved to Big Piney, Wyoming, before settling in Challis, Idaho, where Clyde purchased Challis Drug. Lois worked alongside him, and together they built the business while raising their five children.

Challis was home for many years, and Clyde gave back to the community in countless ways. He served on the Salmon River Electric Cooperative board, as a Custer County Commissioner, and twice as bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also served as Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop, enjoying the opportunity to mentor youth.

Clyde rarely sat still. He earned his pilot’s license and loved flying his Cessna 182 over Idaho’s mountains and backcountry. Lois was happy to let him enjoy flying on his own, preferring to stay on the ground.

His greatest joy was spending time outdoors with his family. He loved horses—especially Patch, Muffin, and Abner—and enjoyed hunting elk, deer, and upland birds with his Irish Setters. He fished for steelhead on the Salmon River, took his family on rafting trips down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, enjoyed Sunday picnics on Garden Creek or Challis Creek, and looked forward to winter snow skiing, sledding, and hooky bobbing on Big Hill. His Ford Bronco was his favorite vehicle for Sunday drives into the mountains and hunting trips.

Clyde was also an avid amateur photographer. He framed his shots as he squared his life, focused on family and God’s creations. His family remembers Sunday evening slide shows filled with pictures from camping trips, family adventures, Disneyland vacations, Alaska, and a memorable trip to Germany to visit his daughter Dixie.

After closing Challis Drug, Clyde and Lois moved to McCammon, Idaho. He continued practicing pharmacy as a relief pharmacist, giving rural pharmacists throughout southeastern Idaho the chance to take vacations. One of his favorite places to work was Maag Drug in Pocatello. He also worked part-time in the Idaho State University Pharmacy until finally retiring in his seventies.

After Lois passed away following 59 years of marriage, Clyde married Sonja Jacobsen in 2012. They lived in Priest River before returning to Pocatello. In later years, Clyde lived with his daughter Dixie, whose loving care allowed him to remain close to family, while Sonja lived in a care center where they were able to spend time together often.

Clyde never lost his adventurous spirit. In March 2012, at age 78, he and his son Doug completed an unforgettable 21-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.

Clyde spent his final years in Meridian, Idaho, where he enjoyed regular visits from family and friends. He celebrated his 92nd birthday in April 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He especially looked forward to visits from his family, friends, and grand-dog, Chicky. The walls of his room were decorated with the artwork of his daughter Fern, bringing him comfort and reminders of family every day. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews brought him endless happiness, and nothing pleased him more than hearing about their lives and accomplishments.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Meridian Meadows and his hospice team for the compassionate care they provided during Clyde’s final days.

Clyde will be remembered for his steady faith, his love of family, his willingness to serve, and his deep appreciation for the mountains, rivers, and backcountry of Idaho. Whether he was filling a prescription, flying over the Salmon River Mountains, riding a favorite horse, or gathering his family for another adventure, he found joy in simple things and in the people he loved. His example of kindness, service, and quiet determination will live on in the many lives he touched.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Sonja Jacobsen Rigby; his children, Fern Perry (Greg), Dixie Core, Devin Rigby (RaeLyn), and Doug Rigby (Mary Barinaga); daughter in law Julie Rigby; brothers Dennis, Larry, Roger, and Sherman Rigby; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and extended family and friends who will miss him.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, John and Geneva Rigby; his wife, Lois Rigby; son, Alan; brother Wilmer.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the McCammon LDS Stake Center. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 12-1 p.m.