Herman Lee Riggs III — Trae — was born May 21, 1972, in Louisville, Ky. He was 51 years old and died Nov. 22, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo. He is survived by his father, Herman Lee Riggs II; mother Janice Lynn Riggs; brothers Brian Matthew Bahn Riggs and Michael John Riggs; sisters Sally Bess Riggs, Sarah Lenee Manore, Sierra Star Johnson and his two best friends “the snaps,” Bonnie and Clyde.
He graduated from Fountain Valley College Preparatory School and went on to study at Colorado University and Denver University, graduating from Fort Lewis College with a degree in philosophy. He graduated cum laude, No. 3 in a class of 730. He studied creative writing and wrote, “Cottonwoods look like dandelions far below beside the Piedra where he meanders on his way. We don’t come into this world, we come out of it as leaves from a tree.” He also graduated from the Pueblo School of Nursing.
Trae held many other certifications, certificates and distinguished awards. He worked most recently as faculty with Denver University, College of Nursing, and on a specialized team administering central venous catheters and cardiac cauterizations. One of his recent quotes was, “It sure feels good to give, doesn’t it?” He understood this and gave thousands of hours of comfort and lifesaving care while nursing in the challenging field of emergency medicine. Private services were held in Colorado Springs, Colo. May his precious soul rest with eternal love and life.
