With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Dad and Gramps, Patrick Robert Riley, who lost a sudden fight on Thursday, January 18th, 2024, leaving a hole for us all.
He was predeceased by his wife and partner of over 50 years, Sheila; mother, Marie; father, Stan; and brother, Wayne. Pat will be dearly missed by his son, Corey (Louise, grandkids Logan, Tate and Max); daughter, Kristi (Chris, grandkids Carter, Jake and Ava); son, Ryan (granddaughter Thia); and sister, Patsy.
Pat, Dad, Patty, Gramps was born in Moose Jaw, SK on May 10th, 1948, spending the majority of his 75 years in Moose Jaw, maintaining his roots here even as work took him on the road. Despite spending considerable time in Calgary and Fort McMurray, AB, Pat and Sheila just made it work, for them and for their kids. Pat was private, stoic, and loved humour. He did not like or want fanfare of any kind; he just wanted his family together and happy. When Pat lost his wife Sheila in September of 2020, it was devastating, they had a bond like no other. Despite that, Pat, tough as anyone we knew, did nothing but ensure his kids were ok. All three of us can proudly say he was our coach – whether on the ball field, for which all three of us were lucky enough to spend countless hours over the years travelling across the prairies and beyond, or just life in general, he was always there with sound, well thought advice.
Pat was very proud of his family and would do anything for his kids, including welcoming his grandson as his new roommate while he played hockey in Moose Jaw. Gramps, being a former Navy man, liked things in order and in their proper place, as evidenced with Jake coming home to yellow sticky notes saying “no” to clothes on the floor, or “garbage” to empty wrappers on his desk - a not so subtle yet humorous solution. Pat’s dedication to structure and order also saw him pull out shaving cream and a razor while in the Regina General ICU last March, as it was time to shave and that’s that - ICU nurses didn’t know what to do. He joined Snapchat to stay up to date with his grandson Logan, loved talking about what movies and streaming series to watch, and planning for the next time he felt “justified” enough to order pizza or go for burgers. “Dad, for the next movie night - it will be a Pat approved flick and a big pizza party, will save a piece for you”.
A Celebration of Pat’s Life is being planned for some time in the spring, where we hope family and friends can join us in celebrating him and all he did for us. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
