March 1, 2002

Rexburg native named
Man of Excellence

REXBURG, Idaho -- Rexburg native Ray Rigby was honored as the Man of Excellence at Brigham Young University-Idaho Sunday night.

The Rexburg attorney was selected for his community involvement, strength of character and embodiment of excellence.

Rigby spoke at a BYU-Idaho fireside Sunday night in the Hart Auditorium and focused on the theme of Men’s Week, "A Season To Be Strong."

He said, "We should develop real love for our fellow man because the gospel of Jesus Christ is called the gospel of love. That’s where we’ve got to be strong."

Rigby added, "Too many people don’t know they’re loved. I maintain the strongest thing you can do is love your family."

The former prosecuting attorney for Madison County for 14 years also served as a state senator for eight years. For several years he was senate assistant minority leader.

Rigby, who also ranches in the Upper Snake River Valley, has practiced law for more than 50 years. He is considered a leading authority on water rights and water law, working to provide Idaho citizens with fair and equitable treatment concerning water.

He has served in many positions in the LDS Church including a counselor to the president of the Idaho Boise and Pocatello missions, president of the Ricks College 3rd Stake and bishop of the Hibbard Ward..

He is married to the former Lola Cook of Idaho Falls and they have seven children.