Chief Wiggins Obituary

Chief Chris R. Wiggins (retired) passed away peacefully in his home from a recent battle with cancer on December 16, 2018. Chris was born on July 11, 1935 to Isador and Petra Wiggins in Cuba, NM and raised in Farmington with his 10 siblings. After serving 4 years in the military police as part of the U.S. Marine Corps, he married Carrie Candelaria of Durango, Co in 1959. He started with the Durango Police Department in 1963 and made his way through the ranks and became Chief of Police in 1980. While living in Durango, he enjoyed skiing, hunting, and fishing and led a very active, fulfilling life. Retiring in 1991, he found his love and passion for golf and played many courses over the years. Chris went back as interim Chief in 1993 and then retired for good, but remained a very big part of the community and enjoyed visiting the DPD often. Chris enjoyed traveling with Carrie, family and friends over the years and in 1998 took on the very proud role of Grandpa and again in 2004.

Chris is survived by his wife Carrie of 59 years, his daughter Melody Conner and her husband Shawn. Grandchildren Miles Baguskas, Mia Baguskas, Matthew and Tyler Conner. Sibling Paul Wiggins (Christine), Richard Wiggins (Leah), Reyes Cortez, Rosaline Ardini, Gloria DeAnda, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Chris will be remembered as a pillar of strength, a comforting man, always one with sound advice, a story to share and wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed dearly by so many lives he touched along the way.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.