Former local broadcaster and aviation advocate Don Riggs, who tickled kid viewers with his "Safari" jungle-themed show and "Willie the Duck" sidekick, died today at his home in Mt. Lebanon. He was 81.

Mr. Riggs also was known as the voice of the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta for many years before retiring from that position in 1994. He began his television career in Columbus, Ohio, before moving to Pittsburgh in 1960 to join the morning magazine show "Daybreak" on KDKA-TV.

Mr. Riggs also was the host of "Safari," where as the khaki-garbed character "Bwana Don," he entertained children and showed old Tarzan films. He later worked as a television news anchor in Indianapolis before returning to Pittsburgh in 1968 to work at WQED and later WIIC, now WPXI.

At WIIC/WPXI, Mr. Riggs was a weather forecaster, broadcaster and community affairs secretary for 20 years. A pilot and life member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, he was instrumental in the effort to restore, purchase and hang the biplane "Miss Pittsburgh" in Pittsburgh International Airport.

Mr. Riggs also was a documentary filmmaker and was active in numerous community organizations. Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer Mortuary, Peters.