Russell R. Riley, long time resident of Oak Harbor, passed away on January 21, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 93 years old.

Russ is survived by his brother, Kenneth and wife, Doris, from Pacific Grove, California; nieces Penny Riley and Susan Fuoti; son David, Los Angeles; stepchildren Bill Frost, David Frost, Ron Frost, Susan Frost-Hizon, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Susan Aschinger and grandson Russell Scott Riley. He was preceded in death by first wife, Lu Riley, son Brian, and second wife, Hazel Frost.

Russ was born in Kansas in 1922. He worked as a pipe-fitter/welder for many years while raising a family in Wichita. He proudly served in the military during World War II. Russ remained in the Army Reserve until his retirement as an E-8, Master Sergeant. In 1966, he joined Peter Kiewit and Sons, a job that first took him and his family to New Orleans. In the late 1960s he helped build the Ft. Calhoun nuclear power plant outside of Omaha, Nebraska, and in the late 1970s, he worked on the Alaska Pipeline as Project Manager for the construction of Drill Sites Expansion in Prudhoe Bay. He retired in 1985 and moved with wife Lu to Oak Harbor.

In Oak Harbor, Russ was an active member and deacon at Whidbey Presbyterian Church where he served on the Building Committee. After Lu died in 1988, Russ met and married Hazel Marie Frost. Together they forged a wonderful life together.

In their later years, Russ and Hazel found a home at the San De Fuca Chapel. Hazel passed away in June, 2015.

Russ always looked forward to his morning Bible reading. While his faith in God was quiet, it was profound and guided his personal life.

Although he was in frail health the last several years, Russ’ mind was still sharp and the humor he was noted for was still intact. Nearly everyone who knew Russell Riley was impressed with his gentleness, wisdom, and sense of integrity.

A memorial service for Russ will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the San De Fuca Chapel. Private family graveside services were held at Sunnyside Cemetery Coupeville.

Affiliations

American Theater Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal