Howard Riley of Payson and long term board member pasted away recently in St. George Utah.William Howard Riley
1926 ~ 2012
His back is straight, his legs are strong, he is running his last marathon! William Howard Riley passed away peacefully February 25, 2012 after suffering a massive stroke. He walked through the veil, leaving loved ones behind and being welcomed by loved ones at the other side. He entered mortality on April 18, 1926 in Woods Cross, Utah and was lovingly welcomed by his parents, William Ellis Riley and Sylvia Lavon Howard Riley.
At the age of eighteen, Howard enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two years in World War Two, serving in the Pacific, specifically Okinawa, Guam, Philippines, and Iwo Jima. He witnessed the raising of the infamous flag on Iwo Jima. After returning from the war, he married his life-long sweetheart, Shirley Roberts in the Salt Lake Temple on September 18, 1946. They were blessed with five beautiful children, Deena, Alan, Kay, Lisa and Nanette.
In 1953, the Riley family moved to Payson, Utah and became fruit farmers, an occupation that was the answer to Howard's dreams. His motto in life has been, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to work for what you want in life', and he has appreciated the fact that he was able to teach this principle to his children and grandchildren, growing up on a farm. Howard became involved in civic affairs, serving as PTA president, two years as a Payson City Councilman and four years as Mayor of Payson. He was also active in the irrigation water affairs of the area, serving as a director of the Strawberry Water Users Association for thirty years, and serving as a member of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District board for twenty five years. Over the years, he has received numerous awards for his expertise in the farming industry. However, he always declared that the best crop he ever raised was his family. In 2001, the family orchard was sold and Howard and Shirley moved to St. George, Utah.
Howard loved his Father in Heaven and he served Him well, such as Young Men's president, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, Elders Quorum President, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Councilor and at the age of eighty five he and Shirley became the greeters' in their beloved St. George ward.
At the age of fifty-two Howard ran his first marathon and continued with other marathons until at a later age he was forced to change his pace to bicycling. Throughout his life he was an example of strength and commitment to his posterity. At the age of fifty-four Howard and Shirley adopted a four-year-old disabled granddaughter and felt blessed to have her in their home for twenty-two years. During the last six years they have spent one hour daily with her in a special Care facility. Howard's life has been one of service, not only to his country, community, church and family, but those who crossed his path with special needs of their own. He will be remembered by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four grandchildren. His is survived by his wife, Shirley, five children and their mates, twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-three great grandchildren, a sister and a sister-in-law.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Maple Dell Ward Chapel, 300 S. Main, Payson, Utah, at 11:00 A.M. with viewing from 9:45 to 10:45. Viewing will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Walker Mortuary, Payson,Utah. Interment will be in the Bountiful City cemetery.
