Bernard ‘Bernie’ John Carrigan

January 15, 1943 - February 22, 2024

Bernard (Bernie) John Carrigan was born in Cheyenne Wells January 15, 1943, to Joe and Helen Carrigan.

Bernie was raised on a ranch northwest of Wild Horse. He was the second of ten siblings. He attended a one room school in Aroya, completing the 8th grade. He then attended Kit Carson High School, graduating in 1961.

He excelled in sports during high school, but his first love was always rodeo. Growing up, he would ride anything that would buck, often recruiting his younger sisters as gate men or chute workers, which didn’t always turn out for the best!

After graduating high school, he attended Otero Junior College in La Junta, where he joined the rodeo team. He made life-long friends during this time, and was proud of winning a saddle for all-around cowboy. This saddle was always with him in all of his moves throughout life, and it had a special place on a stand in their current home.

Bernie completed his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in 1965. He also went on to obtain his Masters Degree in 1969, and a PhD and Clinical Psychologist License in 1975.

Bernie joined the Peace Corps in 1965 after graduating with his Bachelor’s. Unfortunately, Bernie had injured his shoulder during his rodeo years, and a re-injury during his Peace Corps training made it impossible for him to continue. When his plans suddenly changed, and having no job prospects, he happened to hear of a teaching position at his old alma mater, Kit Carson High School. He remained in this position for a year ,which was quite an experience for him, as he was teaching his siblings and they had to call him Mr. Carrigan without laughing.

The next leg of Bernie’s career took him to Oakridge, Oregon, for one year, and on to California. He held several teaching and counseling positions throughout California, retiring as Dean of Student Services from San Jacinto Community College in 2004.

Bernie and Lillian were married April 18, 1973, and this year they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had one daughter, Andrea Nicole, who passed away March 20, 2020.

Bernie’s health began to decline this last year. He passed away in Carlsbad, California, February 22, 2024.

He is preceded in death by their beloved daughter, Andrea; parents, Joe and Helen Carrigan; and three sisters, Betty Jo Rother, Connie Pitts and RaLyn Carrigan.

Surviving family members are his wife, Lillian; siblings, Mary Jean Carrigan, Joyce Carrigan, Theresa Krizek, Alice (Alan) Roth, Ed (Char) Carrigan, Ken (Cheryl) Carrigan; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside inurnment committal services will be held September 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Kit Carson Cemetery in Kit Carson. Both Bernie and his daughter Andrea Carrigan will be laid to rest. A reception will follow at the St. Augustine Church Hall in Kit Carson.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.