Richard Briggs

Richard Lee Briggs,79, of Mitchell Lane, Tupper Lake, better known as "Briggs" died Tuesday, October 6th at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born on December 19, 1929 in Hanover, NH, he was the son of Cassius and Mildred (Markwell) Briggs. Richard was raised on a farm in Vermont. After working at a Copper mine for 75 cents per hour, decided to go for the big money at 1.05 per hour in New York State at Mineville Republic Steel ore mines. In 1948, Richard married Helen Jaquish and seven children were born. Victoria, Richard Jr., John, Steven, Thomas, Julie and Glenn. Learning the trade of blasting in the iron ore mines, Richard worked until the age of 73 for numerous construction companies. On June 24, 1972, Richard married Ruth Davidson in Alexandria Bay and brought into his life two step-children, Beth Mullegan and James Ashbocker. Richard and Ruth raised many foster children but Gail, Becky, Cathy and Mary always kept in touch with him. Briggs married Beverly Thompson on November 17th, 1996. Charles Jaquish of Tupper Lake is his stepson. Richard was a devoted Christian and in winter months, attended the United Community church in Tupper Lake and in the summer he attended the United Presbyterian Church in Lisbon. Richard Briggs has left a legacy of thirty six grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 11th at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home in Tupper Lake. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider; Next Stop Tupper Lake or the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Dept in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.