Michael Robert Riley
Michael Robert Riley, 78, of Oakville, MO passed away Thursday 22nd of December 2016, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born on the 17th of April 1938 in Wisconsin Rapids, WS; the only child to Robert W. Riley and Anne B. (nee Clark) Riley. He married Judith Wood on 12th August 1961. He is survived by his wife Judy, sons David and Christopher, his cousin John Clark as well as grandchildren Courtney, Trevor and Aidan along with their children.
At the age of 6 he moved from Wisconsin, to Oregon where he spent his formative years graduating from Lake Oswego High School in 1956. Michael achieved a lot even at an early age. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout, won the Duncan Yoyo championship, and competitively swam eventually qualifying for the Pan-American games. He also raced cars semi-competitively.
After graduating high school, Michael began his studies of Nuclear Physics at Oregon State University until 1958 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He achieved top scores in basic training which eventually enabled him to graduate with distinction and earned his wings at a Navigator in 1959. From there, he was assigned to his first Fighter Pilot squadron (49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron) where he was actively deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. in 1964 he received his pilot wings and was awarded Outstanding Pilot of his graduating class. His prowess as a skilled pilot was recognized by command and he served two tours in SouthEast Asia. One based on Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and the other in Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam flying his beloved F4 Phantom and was the first USAF unit to fly covert night missions (aka Night Owls). in 1969, while serving in the Air Force he had the opportunity to do a brief tour as a Naval aviator as part of an exchange program and qualified as a flight instructor and Executive officer. in 1971 Michael and the family moved to Hampton, VA where he earned an undergraduate degree in Business and 3 Masters degrees. Michael retired from the USAF with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1979 where he moved from Hampton, VA to St. Louis, MO.
Michael got a job with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis and worked as a program development manager for the Tomahawk cruise missile program until he formed his own Aerospace consultancy firm MRR Associates; where he worked until retirement.
After retirement, Michael’s drive to succeed once again shown through as he took to playing golf regularly. He enjoyed playing on various courses with a collection of friends and would often compete in Seniors tournaments competitively and for charity. He was very proud of his ability to score his age at 75, 76 and 77 years of age.
Michael’s kindness and generosity of spirit touched all those who had the fortune of knowing him. He will be dearly missed by family and friends located all across the USA, Ireland and many parts of the world.
The family kindly requests that donations to charity be made in lieu of flowers to either of the following:
American Cancer Society: (www.cancer.org 1-800-227-2345)
Disabled American Veterans: (www.dav.org 1-877-426-2838)
My dear Judy,
He was one cute man!
He will be missed, that’s for sure!
I am sending big hugs to you and your family…
Annette
Let me express my sincerest sympathies to Mike Riley and his family. He was a dear friend and mentor. I learned a lot from him. Mike let me toast a Jamison’s to you, my friend… Cheers, Mike T.
I have very few friends of the calibre of Mike and Judy Riley and am honored to have known both of you for so many decades. We don’t live near each other, but we’ve never been far apart since the 1970s. Both Natalie and I will sorely miss Mike, but we do look forward to seeing you, Judy, in the not distant future. With all our love, Joe and Natalie Kirkby – an “Old English Fighter Pilot.”
So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. I have many pleasant memories of him, particularly on the golf course and visits to our home in Florida. So sad.
John
I can’t imagine the world without the OIFP. My dearest thoughts and condolences to Judy and his treasured family, loving sons, devoted grandchildren and wonderful greats.
He was fun, funny and filled the room wherever he was. He was a gentle man. One of a kind. Memories are resurfacing and will be for some time.
Love to you all, Nanny
Dear Judy and family,
We were surprised and saddened to get the news of Michael’s passing. He and Judy are special friends and he will definitely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jack and Pam
Every time I play golf with our Tuesday group, there will be a fond memory for Mike.
God bless Mike and his family.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He will be remembered fondly by all of our Tuesday and Thursday Golf Groups.
We played today and at the end of the round all toasted Mike with a shop or two of Jameson’s.
He has left a lasting impression in memories.
Dear Judy,
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. It seems like Michael was a brave soldier until the end.
Hans and I send our heartfelt sympathy and love to you and your family.
Fondly, Sally
Judy,
My heart stopped for a moment when I received your note about Mike. He was such a special person, and I believed he would always be here.
I loved his gentle way, his playfulness, and smile……….oh what a smile! You were so lucky and blessed to have such a man to call your husband, a father, and friend, and I was so lucky to be a part of your lives.
Mike will always hold a very special place in my heart. I know he would rather us toast him and remember all the wonderful times………….and I will.
Cheers, Mike!
Mary Beth
Dear Judy
We were both very sad to hear of Mikes passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sat time.
All our Love
Shirley and Geoff
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Michael. It is an honor to have friends like Michael and Judy who have showed so much kindness and generosity in their everyday lives. It didn’t take long to realize what a special person Michael was, he was always there to help and made you feel like family.
You are in our prayers.
Love Mark & Liska
Dear Judy:
We will always remember our good times together with you and Michael. It’s hard to believe that our friendship goes back over 55 years to pre marriage days. Michael was such an accomplished person and always great company.
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
With love,
Joanne and Vince
Our deepest condolences to the Riley family on the passing of Mr Riley. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Judith & family:
I was very saddened to hear of Mikes sudden passing to be with the Lord. I remember his friendship in our CAP years flying together and searching for our lost Airmen and their planes, We stayed friend for many years. I recall his love for you Judith and his children & grandchildren all of your lives. I will always have a fondly our long friendship and love for aviation and our many flights in the USAF and the CAP.
Sincerely with love & HUGS
Frank Szachta
USAF & CAP retired
Dear Judy and family,
All my love to you at this time. I remember Mike from the 49th, C Flight, at Griffiss. My prayers to you and yours. He will be missed.
Judy I am so sorry. Mike and yourself were the best. I was looking you guys up to get in contact and sadly I saw this! I am so sorry. Mike, some years ago phoned to see if I could meet you both and I couldn’t make it. So sorry now! I will keep you in my prayers and if you get this feel free to email anytime.