Analise Rigan Angel’s Lament

Editor’s Note: This post is a compilation of tributes by Analise (Alice) Rigan‘s friends and family. Please add your tributes in the Comments below.

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On 4th July 2026 Carly Newfeld wrote: Analise (Alice) Rigan passed in the wee hours of this morning at her home in Upstate New York. Word came from her son, Torrey. She lived at Findhorn and on Erraid for many years.

Here’s her most beloved painting Angel’s Lament. May she be lifted and guided by the Angels she painted.

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Reunion at Paradox House gathering, October 2009 (photos Kathleen Thormod Carr)

Analise with husband Merritt

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When Analise first came to the community (1977?), her husband, Terry, was asked to stay and work on the Universal Hall construction. Analise wasn’t sure what she could contribute, and one day she walked into Pubs, where I was working and we struck up a conversation. It seems she had some interest in drawing and art and thought maybe she might help out in that area. I had just been asked to design a new book that David Spangler had written called Toward a Planetary Vision. I really didn’t have any idea what the cover art should be but I was going on a week’s retreat to Iona the next day and said I would seek inspiration for the cover design in meditation.

During one of my visits to the sanctuary at Traigh Bhahn, I had a clear vision of a Celtic design for the cover and the rest of the book as well. I prayed that Analise could draw in the Celtic style as it was very specific.

Upon returning to Pubs, Analise and I discussed the Celtic design I had envisioned for the book and she felt she could give it a go. The rest is history! It launched a new career path for her and a business for the Findhorn Foundation. I feel very blessed to have been part of the process.

Shari Mueller

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Marcia Rutan: Analise, AKA Alice, carried a joyful enthusiasm for life that she generously shared through her amazing art. Every artist must work at their craft and Annalise’s skill was unquestionable. But she also had a special gift that shone through her paintings and drawings. She gave us wonder and beauty, a reflection of her own lovely spirit.

❤️

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Helen Rubin: I first met Alice/Analise as a community member in the 1970s. We developed an immediate rapport and shared a dry sense of humour. I greatly admired her beautiful art and Celtic designs that were always stunning. At the 40th birthday in 2012, we shared a room behind Cluny Hill before the main events started, and discussed the challenges of decades of single-parenting sons. I was so happy when she married Merritt, living at Paradox House and hosted gatherings of ex-Findhorn community members there; I always meant to visit her there . . . .

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Roger Doudna: Alice was indeed a talented and happy person. who graced us with her bubbly presence here in the late 1970’s. She loved art and dedicated her life to its creation and advancement. She introduced me to James Hubbell, a friend of her brother Otto. I later invited James to speak at Findhorn during our conference called ‘Building a Planetary Village’ in 1982 and his exquisite stained glass windows came to adorn our Universal Hall, and they were installed by Otto Rigan and his companion Mayme in 1983.
Alice was equally dedicated to her son Torrey who reciprocated her love and dedication after their return to USA in 1980.

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Buffy Draper: When I drove Analise home from the June 2018 gathering at Boothbay Harbor (ME) we went the looong way round and got talking about Paradox House and the demands it was placing on Merritt & Analise. I was houseless and in between careers … my mum had just died and I was looking for a purpose & spiritual fulfillment.

Analise invited me to work (& play) at the Paradox Airbnb for the Summer. We cooked and changed sheets and greeted guests with gratitude. I tried to fill the footsteps of several dedicated Findhorn fellows before me … Richard and Gordon for years …  and took the “monk’s room” on the third floor … single bed and cool even in the Summer.

I loved the clean air & water of the upstate NY Adirondacks … but missed the convenience of grocery stores and transportation.

It was a wonderful friendship with Merritt and Analise and Torrey’s youngsters.

rest in peace dear friend…

with blessings
*buffy

COIF TEAM

Inspired by CommUnity, a group of NFA volunteers, manages this website. Hearing each others stories, and learning about the history of this community can help us all to find more cohesion and a sense of belonging. Read more.&lt