BOMBER MEMORIAL

THOMAS "KELLY" CARRIGAN ~ Class of 1972 Honorary
February 27, 1953 - November 8, 2004



Thomas "Kelly" Carrigan was born to John and Sara Carrigan on February 27, 1953 and passed away at the age of 51 on November 8, 2004.

He attended Richland schools with the Class of 1972 at Richland's Columbia High School.

Kelly loved the outdoors and was an excellent hunter and fisherman. He would have easily qualified as a Ted Nugent disciple because he could have survived with only what he was able to hunt, catch or gather from the "good and wonderful mother earth". He often talked about how he and his best friend Lance were one of the first to fish the Reach when it opened. The pictures of the sturgeon they caught would rival any collection. With a welding rod in his hand, Kelly was equally adept at running a bead or turning scrap metal into a beautiful work of art. Both were stunning to look at and admire.

He had a very vivid imagination and handled a paint brush in such a way that his creations seemed to come alive. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a published poet. Kelly truly was a creative genius.

One of Kelly's favorite pastimes was gathering up his mother and going to watch his nieces and nephews play all the different sports they were involved in. When mom wasn't up to it, he would go by himself and then keep her up past her bedtime telling her about the event and every little detail about her grandchild's participation.

Kelly will never again have to ask mom if she's "up to it" when it comes time to watch the kids play. In heaven everyone is "up to it" and now they can bring dad along for the fun.

"Kelly, it was a wild and exciting ride with never a dull moment. We love you and we miss you. We do take great comfort in knowing that you're at peace. This is not good-bye it's just until. With great love and affection, your family."

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sara Carrigan of West Richland; and his hunting and fishing friend, Lance Chism (Pasco High School) who passed away on January 21, 1995.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Smith of Sumner, WA; and by his granddaughter, Morgan. He also leaves behind his sister, Brenda Carrigan Reisch ('69); his brothers: Steve Carrigan ('70), Ross Carrigan ('80) and Tracy Carrigan (HHS); and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A memorial service was held on Sunday November 14, 2004 at 1 PM at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.

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Bomber Memorial put together by Maren Smyth ('63/'64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).