Robert L. Riley
Memorial Service is February 8th, 2:00 PM United Methodist Church Anacortes, WA.
Robert L. Riley passed away on January 24th in Bellingham, Washington at the age of 83. He grew up in Boulder, CO. and studied engineering at the University of Colorado. He was a mountaineer and served as a climbing guide at Longs Peak Inn, where he met lifelong friend Tom Hornbein (Everest 1963). Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman who raised his children to love the outdoors where they spent a great deal of their childhood. Bob worked as a civil engineer and spent a large part of his career helping build the hydroelectric system on the rivers across the northwest.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Riley, and is survived by his six children: Bob, Tom, Shane, Tara, Shawn, and Elizabeth. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His memorial service is February 8th, 2:00 PM United Methodist Church in Anacortes, WA.
Memorial gifts may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or United Methodist Church, Anacortes, WA, in memory of Robert L. Riley
Memories
From Shawn
I miss Dad
From Steve Hazen
Bob was larger than life to me. He thought big and by example was an inspiration to do likewise. His deep and hearty laugh conveyed a joy of life that itself provided joy to those around him. The neighborhood I grew up became much smaller, and much less a part of the bigger world, when Bob moved his family away. But my memories continued to grow thereafter as a guest (in retrospect, it seems like a frequent one) in the Riley family home, first in the Spokane area and then in Lewiston. And so did Bob's influence on my life.
From Lesa (St Marie…
Shane, Thinking of you and your family.
From Susan Hazen-Hammond
In the years before I left home to go away to college, Bob and Donna served as beacons of what life could be. We--or at least I--thought of the Rileys as a sort of backup family. You were always there when we needed you. Bob and Donna were not ones to refuse to see the dark side of life, but when life seemed grim, they provided laughter, good stories, wisdom, and common sense. I do not recall either of them ever criticizing or scolding me, but they would sometimes, to my benefit, point out things I could not see. My thoughts and condolences are with you all. Their light will linger with me until I too am gone.
From Mary
I miss Bob, too, Shawn and the rest of the family. While my heartache is real and painful, I know how much more his passing has left a gaping hole in your lives. He was a loving, caring father, whose children were always foremost in his thoughts. We spent many hours reducing the stress load of his belongings, so the family would have less stress when the time came.
It was wonderful to see how the family were always there for Bob, as well. The impressive convoy that moved him from Anacortes to Bellingham was an amazing outpouring of the love that you gave him in his final year. He was so moved by your thoughtfulness for that and for being constantly in touch.
From Brad &Sally Langager
I have many fond memories of Superman and Lois in that big old home in Lewiston. Your dad's sense oh humor and the interaction in your big family are some of my fondest childhood memories. Going hunting in the old VW Beatle also sticks in my mind. God bless all you guys. His peace and time will leave only the best memories and draw all of you closer.
Love
Bead & Sally Langager
From Robert Heidenreich
Dear Lizz Tara and family This is Robert Heidenreich Im very sorry for your loss of your dad.I loved your mom and dad like they were my own.I can just hear your fathers voice now as i sit and write this.He was one of a kind.I have very fond memories of your mom and dad.And i shall never forget them My mother Mary also sends her love.We still live in Clarkston and i still work for albertsons.Im sorry we can not come over Saturday for the service but Bob and Donna will be in our thoughts.Lizz.My phone number is home 509-758-7850 and cell num is 208-553-0544.U can call if u would like.Once again i loved your parents very very nuch!!!! Please take care and god bless. Also please tell your brothers hello for me and my mom thank you. Take care Robert Heidenreich......
From Rick Basaraba
Our hearts go out to the Riley family, we know how much you loved your dad. I remember being in awe of him, he seemed to know alittle something about everything. He leaves a great legacy which I am sure will continue through his kids and grandkids. To those of us who know Christ understand that this is not all there is and we can take comfort in knowing that someday we will be joined together to be with Him forevermore. Our prayer is that His peace will rule in your hearts and minds through this difficult chapter.
Rick & Lisa Basaraba
From Bea Bazinet
My condolences to Bob's family. Bob was a good friend and a very interesting person.
I enjoyed the times we had together, he was a true gentleman.
May God rest his soul.
From Julie Riley
For eighteen years, Bob was my father-in-law and I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with both he and Donna. I have fond memories of several holidays and special events, especially our wonderful Thanksgivings. The entire Riley family will always be a part of my personal life and Bob's passing brings this to my attention even more deeply. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers our yours today and always. Bob was special and unique and always remember his laughter and eyebrows. I also see him when I see my children. Thank you Bob, you contributed to my life more than you know.
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