Riggin Cole Schaffer was born to Stephanie and Bram Schaffer on June 12, 2006. From the beginning, Riggin lived life his own way and that never changed. While he grew and learned to navigate the world, he was true to himself, lived by his own code, and never pretended to be something he wasn’t. Fiercely loyal to the people he loved, he was one of the kindest and most generous of friends. He would do anything for anyone at any time (except if that thing was the dishes). He lived with true integrity and was willing to endure any hardship to preserve it.
On March 23rd, Riggin was assisting the injured driver of a single-car accident. Another driver crashed into the scene, taking Riggin from his family.
Riggin was raised in Broadus, MT. As a boy, he loved dinosaurs, dragons, and pirates. His love of dinosaurs led him to want to be a paleontologist until he learned how many years of school that would take. His creativity and energy made sitting in a classroom challenging, and he attended high school only so he could wrestle. Riggin loved to wrestle, was proud that he was not pinned once his last 2 years, and placed 5th at the Montana State Tournament his Senior Year. His mom was his biggest fan, and one of his favorite practice partners. They spent countless hours perfecting new techniques in the living room. She never missed a match. Riggin also loved branding season. His dad and grandfather helped him to break his colt, learn to rope, and be a reliable member of the team. Riggin was looking forward to finally roping off his 5-year-old horse, Bandit, this year in the branding pen. Riggin loved listening to “old” music, researching his random interests, playing XBOX, and talking about cars. He learned to love golfing with his mom and dad, right after they had given up forcing him to come along. After high school, Riggin moved to Laramie, WY to attend WyoTech, where he was learning automobile collision repair, painting, and upholstery. He finally found a place of learning where he wanted to be, and was one of the top students in his class. He planned to eventually open his own restoration shop where he wanted to bring old muscle cars back to life. His cars were his pride and joy. He bought a ‘75 Z28, with his own savings, to be his project car at school and he couldn’t wait to start fixing it up. With his dad’s help, he’d restored a ‘68 Malibu. He loved his 71 Ford F100. His true love was Dodge, and he recently purchased a Challenger as his daily driver. While living in Laramie, Riggin discovered snowboarding. He went solo his first time out, loved it, and spent every weekend on the slopes after that. He was there so much that Snowy Range offered him a job running the lifts. He found true friends at WyoTech, and he enjoyed living where there was “something to do”. Riggin was truly coming into his own.
While his life was tragically short, it was lived to the fullest. His loved ones will miss his laugh, getting to hear his random thoughts, and watching him find his way in the world (always entertaining). They are grateful for every moment spent with him.
Riggin is survived by his mom and dad, Stephanie and Bram Schaffer; his sister, Madeline York (Thomas Heikes); his Nana (Phyllis Smith) and Papa (Mike Smith), Grandparents, Dennis Schaffer, and Cheryl & Terry Fields, He was loved by his aunts, uncles, and cousins, both blood-related and chosen and held Auntie Shannon and Uncle Dustin very close to his heart. He is preceded in death by his best friend, Cale Emmons.
Riggin believed that respect was something that came from the heart, not from anything external. His family asks that any visitors show their respect by dressing casually. Please, come as you are.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rolling Hills Golf Course in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been setup at the Yellowstone Bank of Broadus c/o Riggin Schaffer Benefit Account, PO Box 347, Broadus, MT 59317.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday April 3, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Faith Bible Church
102 E. Morris Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Reception
Friday April 4, 2025
Rolling Hills Golf Course
11 Talcott Road
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday April 3, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Faith Bible Church
102 E. Morris Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Reception
Friday April 4, 2025
Rolling Hills Golf Course
11 Talcott Road
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Sylvia J Zimmer says
So many good memories of this free loving young man.. hugs and prayers to all his family and friends. Loved your spirit Riggin. You will be missed..
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
Prayers for Riggin’s family and friends. May God be with you all in this time of sorrow.
Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
Schaffer family, my heart is breaking for you all at the loss of your amazing son Riggin. What a wonderful example of kindness and joy he was! God blessed him with a unique sense of humor and a strong and dedicated attitude. As you walk through these days and months of grief, remember these are one set of footprints in the sand time. Let Jesus carry you until one day you can stand again. Hugs and prayers to each of you.
Kimber Emmons says
I love you. Always. Riggin…find Cale, raise some hell.
William Davies says
Riggin, I did not know you for an exceptionally long time but you touched everyone’s hearts at Snowy Ranges Lift Department. I loved talking about blowing up cars and general Wyotech craziness with you. You worked hard and took the job serious. I cannot believe the conversation about fixing the upholstery in my car would be the last conversation we ever had. Every time I saw you in the locker room, I just knew I was in the presence of an individual who was focused and on a path to greatness. You were sharp and pragmatic, which is frankly lacking in young men today and makes your loss much more painful. You did not deserve the death you endured, and frankly, I am going to be remembering these last two weeks for the rest of my life. You were a good kid Riggin, rest easy.
Bob and Carolyn Traub says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending lots of prayers for you all
Sheri Gali says
We are sending our love and condolences to you all as you grieve the loss of a very special young man. Sending you all hugs.
Kurt & Julie Collins says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. May you find comfort in the reassurance that you will one day be reunited.
Ken ,pat,Brandon, Sarah and Brion Jones says
We’re so sorry for your loss,God Bless yous.
Phyllis Nakagawa says
To Riggin and all his favorite relatives and family, thank you for gracing all their lives with your presence. You were truly a gift to their lives. When they spoke of you, it was always with a smile and commitment to do whatever they could for you in every way. The love they had for you was just amazing and it easily flowed from their lips and actions for you because you were such a phenomenal human being. They saw promise, loyalty, open mindedness and so much love and happiness. Rest in peace, dear Riggin and thank you for gracing all of us with your energy and presence. Love, Phyllis Nakagawa, mother & motherin-law to Dustin and Shannon
Karla McDonald says
Schaffer family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know the pain of losing a child, my heart aches for you! Know you are surrounded by a community of some of the most loving, caring people in the world. The Broadus community helped us live through our loss, I know they will keep Riggin’s memory alive forever. I’m so sorry.
Kara and Bill Lambert says
Our sympathies to all of Riggins family and friends.
My prayers to you for comfort.
Jay Badgett says
I was at the state wrestling tournament last year and the image of Riggin and mom in a long joyful embrace after he came off the mat has been on constant replay in my head since hearing the horrible news. Steph and Bram, and family I’m sorry for your loss.
Les & Jane Thompson. says
Bram. Stephanie and Family’s
So very sorry in the loss of your precious son.
Nancy Fillafer says
To Riggins family, I didn’t know Riggin. So sorry for the loss. He was so young. That’s very sad he left us so early. God bless you. I hope he’s happy wherever he is now.
Bonnie Sprague says
Dear Schaffer family I am so sorry for your loss. I am a classmate of Dennis, the grandfather.. I send my condolences and prayers to you all to find peace and remember the fond things that make you smile.
Rhonda Bowers says
Schaffer family, sending prayers your way. So sorry for your loss. RIP
Kelsy Wojciechowski says
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all of you. Sending all my love.
DeWanda LittleCoyote says
Condolences & prayers for you all.
Kristee Weischedel says
Bram, Steph and family- I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss of Riggen. Gone way too soon and so young. Prayers to each of you as you navigate this time without him.
Angel Lei says
I am sorry for your loss, May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around your family and all his friends.
Veda says
Bram, Stephanie and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie Damm says
Bram and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know words don’t help with the grief and pain you are feeling. But you are in my prayers.
Pat Traub says
To the family of Riggin Schaffer
Such heartbreaking news to hear of the tragic loss of your precious son. I pray the Lord wraps you all in his loving arms and give you strength and courage to navigate your loss in the days/months to come.
Amanda Boyd says
Schaffer Family –
I never met Riggin but my son was a classmate of his at WyoTech. Patrick said Riggin was a good friend and loved going skiing with him. Always had great conversations with him and lots of laughs. Thank you for sharing him with the kids at WyoTech. Prayers for you all.
Laura says
Although I don’t know your family, I want to send my condolences. Your son sounds like he was one in million kind of human. Prayers for your family, may you all be lifted by the many being said for you as you navigate this time of grief.
Stephanie Cooper says
Bram, Stephanie, Maddie and all of Riggin’s extended family: What a beautiful tribute to a young man! There will never be the answers we want or need as to why Riggin was taken from you so soon. Because the days ahead you will ask yourselves why for so many reasons, my heart hurts for you. Live life as he would have, have no regrets, always tell those you love all the time and rejoice in the memories. That is the only “answer” I have found over the last 17 years. Much love to all of you ~Steph, Kyle, Josie and Coy
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
I always loved how evident it was, that your love for Riggin was huge. And his for you as his parents. We are so so sorry for your loss. Riggin was one of those “one in a million” kids
Linda says
Though I did not Riggin, my heart goes out to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Isabelle says
I only read of him in the news, but my heart goes out to the family. May he rest in peace, he sounded like a thoughtful and wonderful person and he left this world way too soon. I hope the family is doing well and have all the time they need to mourn the loss of this beautiful person.
Sharon (Carpenter) Jacobsen says
Dennis-
I was very sorry to hear about your grandson. It sounds like he was a very special person.
Amy Minow says
I loved my conversations with Riggin. He was creative, intelligent, and respectful. I will miss him dearly. Beam and Steph, my heart breaks for you.
Susan Erlenbusch says
I am sorry for your family’s loss. From the sounds of it, I think Riggin would stop to help out 20 times over, even if he knew the consequences of his actions. I don’t know your family, but I can’t help but admire Riggin.
Jaime Thornton says
My son was Riggin’s roommate and classmate at Wyotech. My heart goes to your family. I am grateful that my son got to know Riggin and see the beautiful soul deep within him. May your family all be blessed with the beautiful memories of him. Our deepest condolences.
Matt, Jaime, Tyler, Taylor, Tracen, Mikayla, Micah and Aurelia. The Thornton and Gronquist families.
Judith Piersol says
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. I morn with you because I lost my son January 24 th and when I saw this about your beautiful son. I just had to write and say I am sending love and strength. My email will be included. I just wanted u to know ….
Judy and Ben Piersol
I know your pain. Please may God and the love from your family and friends help to ease the pain. From
mother’ and father that understand
Julia and Les Aldrich says
Les and I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and we are sending hugs. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow. No family should have to lose there child. You all have so much love in your heart. Riggin was loved so much. Your family has always been kind to us and we miss you all. Love Julia and Les the Courtland friends.
Bob Phalen says
Dennis, I’m sorry to here of your grandson, may God Bless you and your family.
Bob Phalen
Kathleen McKinney says
I didn’t know Riggin, except through what I recently read of his passing. He obviously touched many lives, in his short time on earth, but to me the most incredibly blessing is that he gave his life serving and helping someone else. My thoughts and prayers to all who love Riggin. He will always be part of you and a community of people touched by his kindness and generosity.
Lisa Gaskill says
Bram, Steph, Maddie……I can’t even imagine your pain and sadness right now. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace in the days to come.
Glenn Rhoades says
I saw the story on a web post recently and felt it necessary to post. Although I did not know your son, anyone who dies helping another deserves the title of being a True American Hero. God bless your family and the memory of Riggin’s life. It inspires me to preserve and protect our great nation, many who do not understand the fragile and precarious future we face.
Donella says
To Riggins family,
I read about his selfless act to help a fellow driver, and he immediately drew my attention on how amazing this young, honorable, man has to be. Thank you for sharing his beautiful soul with the rest of the world. The world will feel his losd but please know he is shining onto your family right now. His legacy will go to do amazing things and has definitely touched strangers, now fans, of Riggin. Bless all of you
Georgia & Tim George says
I just read about Riggin this morning and had to write. I lost all four of my children and the last two very tragically! Matt and Jarrod were the kind of young men that are so very special in so many ways. Both were so bright, athletic and kind! They too will always be remembered by everyone who knew them or even just met them. I don’t know how I have managed the pain of losing all my children but do know that I could have not managed without my God, family and friends. I don’t believe there is anything called “closure” but there is peace in having them in our lives even for too short a time and believing that I will again be with them in Heaven. In the meantime, I live the life that God has given me. I wish you peace and love!
Bob Cook says
Schaffer family, Made me physically ill when I read the article. Grew up with the Schaffers.. Dennis, Stanley.. So very sorry for your loss..
Sharyn says
Daniel Boone says
Bram: I am so sorry to hear about your son.
I live in Miles City now but knew you when I came out to Broadus to hunt before 1995.
I will be praying for you in your time of sorrow.
James Richard Lane says
Our sympathies to all of Riggins family and friends.
My prayers to you for comfort.
Krista Hubbard says
I did not have the pleasure of knowing you or your family. This story has truly touched me. My sincere condolences go to your family, I feel what a loss it is for them and all your loved ones. Rest in Peace, kick it up with your Buddy, my brother Bruce will probably be happy to join the fun and hopefully show you around Heaven. Prayers and Love.
Diane Thomas says
I did not know Riggin or the Cole family, but when I read of his death while selflessly and compassionately assisting an injured motorist near Centennial, my heart broke for you. Riggin sounds like a wonderful young man that anyone would be proud to call their son. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand while you grieve and adjust to this terrible loss. Sending love and prayers.
Garth Sleight says
I keep coming back to this, even though I did not know Riggin. He sounds like an outstanding young man who left all too soon. I have the privilege of knowing Riggin’s cousin Zea, who is a student at MCC. I cannot begin to fathom the devastation. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family, extended family, and community. This type of situation is a painful punch to the gut and a dagger to the heart. Let the tears flow and may the happy memories sustain you.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Bram, Steph, Maddie, Dennis, all of Riggins family, Carlene and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you, it was friends, family, and this amazing community that helped us during a similar time in our lives and still do, please know we are here for you anytime.
Drew and Marni Gaskill says
Schaffer family, we extend our deepest condolences and hope you are able to find a little peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you now hold dearly.
Tedi Williams says
A great young man who we will see again. My heart is with you!
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry!! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Riggin’s family and friends!! Many prayers for the days, months and years to come
Cody Morris says
To Riggin’s Family:
I am so saddened by your loss! I just cannot imagine. May God comfort you and give you peace!