DeLand, FL - A man who is credited for helping revitalize the DeLand’s award-winning downtown during his 20 year career with the city has passed away That man is David C. Rigsby, University of Florida grad, former Stetson employee and former mayor of DeLand, who passed away Sunday (March 3rd) at the age of 69. “Our community has lost an impassioned leader and avid supporter of the City of DeLand,” said DeLand Mayor Robert Agpar. “I had the honor and privilege of serving alongside Dave for 13 of the years he was in office. He served this community with grace, distinction and integrity. He was a good friend and always supportive of me. I will really miss him.” Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, Rigsby received his Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture with special studies in urban design from the University of Florida. After graduating, he was hired in late 1974 as the City of DeLand’s Superintendent of Parks and Urban Beautification – a position he kept for four years until he was hired by Stetson University. He retired in January as manager for Stetson Grounds and senior assistant for Special Projects after four decades with the institution. “My husband, Richard, and I tremendously respected and admired Dave and his 42 years of leadership at Stetson,” said Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby, PhD. “He was a remarkably creative, talented, and civic-minded man. I was so thankful that he and his team had an opportunity to put into action Dave’s vision for the transformation of the Stetson University campus; no doubt, he deserves the lion’s share of any praise for the stunning beauty of our campus.” While working with Stetson, Rigsby was elected into DeLand’s city commission in 1980 and would serve for 13 years, until he was elected mayor in 1993. Rigsby remained mayor until 2001 when Agpar was elected into office. Additionally, Rigsby was President of the League of Cities from 1998 to 1999. Rigsby was also the recipient of the E. Drew Harris Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given annually by the Florida League of Cities. During his stint in office, Rigsby helped the city in its efforts to revitalize Downtown DeLand, which led to the creation of the MainStreet DeLand Association in 1985 and the city’s downtown district being recognized as one of the best main streets in America. DeLand’s Public Services Director Keith Riger credited Rigsby as being “the Father of the urban forest” at Stetson University. Riger recalled a number of projects that Rigsby was involved in including improvements to the Chisholm Community Center, the Downtown DeLand Streetscape and the eventual buildout of the Municipal Complex – housing City Hall, DeLand Fire Station No. 81 and the DeLand Police Department – which bears his name. “He’s done a lot for DeLand and he will be missed,” Riger said. Rigsby leaves behind his wife Kate, three grown children Jennifer, Josh and John David and step-children Jessica, Will and Dorie. He was also the father-in-law for current City Commissioner Kevin Reid. The City of DeLand has not announced any plans for services yet.
David Rigsby, Former DeLand Mayor, Passes Away At 69
