Obituary of Paul Emerson Riley
Paul Emerson Riley passed away with family at his side on January 8th, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital after battling pneumonia. He was 93.
Born February 26th, 1924 in Oakland, CA to Milo Clinton Riley and Mary Catherine Riley, the family returned to Boulder when Paul was 6 months old. He graduated from Boulder High School where he served as Head Boy for his senior year in 1942. After graduation, Paul served in the army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he enrolled at the University of Colorado and earned a Master’s Degree in Geology.
Paul married Anne Hylan on September 1st, 1948 in Boulder. His career as an oil geologist took Paul and Anne to Ardmore, OK where the Riley family lived and grew during the ’50s and ‘60s, returning to Boulder in 1971 to continue his work.
Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anne, who passed on November 21st, 2016.
Paul and Anne enjoyed playing bridge and were very involved with their church, First Congregational, where Paul once served as Moderator and was one of the founding members of the Men's Breakfast. They traveled to Ireland, Africa, China, Alaska and beyond. Paul loved to read about foreign affairs, economics, and history; he was also a voracious consumer of video lectures offered by The Great Courses.
He is survived by his children - Mike Riley (Cindy) of Newton, MA; Kit Cassingham (Randy) of Ridgway, CO; Chris Riley (Beth) of Boulder, CO; Bruce Riley (Willi) of College Station, TX; and Julie Wallace (Dave) of Berthoud, CO. Paul had thirteen grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 18th at 2:00PM at First Congregational Church, 1128 Pine Street in Boulder. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army. A reception will follow the service.