Margaret Piggott, an author from the area and one of the original KHNS deejays, has passed away.
Piggott, originally from Scotland was living in England during World War II. She was among many children who were evacuated to the country during the London Blitz. She became a competitive hiker after the war and was trained as a physical therapist in the UK before moving to the United States.
She made Haines her home in 1969, with a population of less than 500. She was a lover of the outdoors and continued to hike. In 1969, Haines became her home. She published “Discover Southeastern Alaska With Pack and Paddle” in 1974. It chronicled dozens of hikes and nearly two-week-long paddle trips between Juneau and Angoon.
She recently published “No Place To Pee,” a memoir about her experiences in the mid-70s when she was one of only two women who worked on the Trans-Alaska pipeline.
Piggott retained a deep love for classical music throughout all of it. As the first classical radio presenter for KHNS, she shared this love with the Upper Lynn Canal.
Debra Schnabel, founder of KHNS, said that Margaret was a dedicated and enthusiastic presenter. “And what made Margaret so popular? I suppose you could say that about classical players. Her accent, her British accent.
Allegro Ma Non Troppo, the classical show that began in 1980s continues today. Despite having a stroke in 2010, Piggott still traveled and enjoyed adventure, both alone and with Melissa Aronson.
The last time she and I went together, we were in Panama Canal. Aronson stated that she was 85 years old. She was just one month post-hip replacement. You can get an idea of her experience by going ziplining in Colombia. This was a woman whose life was full. She was intelligent. She was a lover of classical music, and she also enjoyed the KHNS program. She was full of adventures. May we all live our lives with the same joy that Margaret had. She was a dear, close friend. I will miss her deeply.”
Through her music, writing and trailblazing in the Upper Lynn Canal, Piggott had a profound impact on the lives of many during her time here. Her love for nature was the constant throughout all of it.
Schnabel stated that Schnabel believed her relationship with nature was important. Schnabel said, “And I do believe that this also established her personality.” She was quiet but powerful.
Piggott was diagnosed on Christmas Eve with leukemia and died before the new year. She was 90 years of age. She was surrounded by her friends, who held her hand as Johann Sebastian Bach played.
