Wilfred 'Woody' A. Riley

It is with a sad heart that the family of Woody Riley announces his passing at the age of 96. He resided at Good Samaritans Park Meadows in Lethbridge.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Alan (Sue) Riley of St. Albert; daughter, Janet (Richard) Richter of Lethbridge; and son, Keith (Robin) of Alpharetta, GA, USA. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Sean Riley of Ottawa, ON; Erica Riley of St. Albert; Jeremy Richter of Vancouver, B.C.; and Blair (Noreen) Richter of Lethbridge; three great grandchildren, Damon, Anna and Leah Richter of Lethbridge.

Other surviving family members include his brother, Allister Riley of Sydney, N.S.; brother-in-law, Gerald (Marilyn) Moules of Dundas, ON; sister-in-law, Charlotte Parsons of Chilliwack, B.C.; and extended family members.

Woody was a loving husband and father who was predeceased by his wife, Hannah Riley; parents, Alice and Clarence Riley; and sister-in-law, Helen Riley.

Woody grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and spent his childhood fly fishing in local streams and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

He proudly served in the armed forces from February 1943 - January 1946 with “D” Company of the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment in Italy and Holland. He was there for the liberation of Holland and years later travelled back with other Veterans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic event.

In September 1953, Woody married Hannah Florence Moules, also from Sydney. While working shift work at the Steel Plant and without any training or help he built their house in Sydney Forks. He was very proud of the house.

An automotive mechanic by trade and in search and hope of a better life for his wife and children, they made the difficult decision to move west in 1959. With nothing but his automotive tools, a few housewares and personal possessions, they moved to Lethbridge. In 1961 they settled in Pincher Creek and he became co-owner of Foothills Auto Service until 1978. From 1978 until his retirement in 1992 he was employed by the Municipality of Pincher Creek as a Utility Officer.

Woody loved to fish and in the early 1970s he decided to build his own boat. He spent many happy hours in his boat at Waterton on the lakes with his fishing companions. He was also an avid rifleman who enjoyed time at the gun range. Owning horses for many years, he enjoyed riding, including a few overnight trips into the Waterton backcountry. Woody enjoyed meeting with school children and sharing his experiences from World War II as well as participating in Remembrance Day parades and events dressed in his ceremonial uniform and medals.

In retirement, he fished, enjoyed coffee with his gang of friends and travelled back to his beloved Cape Breton several times. After Hannah’s passing and as his health declined, he moved into Vista Village in Pincher Creek. In 2020 he moved to Good Samaritans Park Meadows in Lethbridge to receive a higher level of care and be closer to his family. He remained there until his passing.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion Woody received in both Vista Village in Pincher Creek and Park Meadows in Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Chinook Bible Church, 1255 Bev McLachlin Drive, Pincher Creek on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The live streaming link for the service is available at the bottom of this page.

Due to current Covid restrictions, there is a 50-person maximum seating limit with mandatory masking and physical distancing requirements in place.

Flowers are gratefully declined, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charity of One’s Choice in memory of Woody.

Click Here to Attend Woody's Funeral Service via Live Streaming

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