Bernard T. Riley
February 25, 2014 7:46 am
Bernard Thomas Riley, 96, of Longview passed away Feb. 24, 2014, at PeaceHealth Medical Center in the loving arms of his family.
He was born Dec. 4, 1917, in Kinney, Minn., to Nichols and Mary (Glasser) Riley. He grew up in Biwabik, Minn., the middle of 10 children. He is survived by a brother Nick. Bernie received his high school education in Biwabik and was attending school in Milwaukee, Wis., at the time he enlisted in the Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Saratoga during world War II as an electrician first class.
Bernie distinguished himself in many ways during the war years, including volunteering to be among the first to come ashore on Guadalcanal. Being one of the only survivors during that initial onslaught, he was interviewed by a war correspondent. The interview caught the attention of the author Walter B. Clausen, who wrote “The Blood of the Emperor.” Bernie was quoted extensively in his book.
In 1943, Bernie married his childhood sweetheart, Katherine (Kay) Shank. Their marriage was the culmination of a romance begun when both were children attending grade school in Biwabik. The Shank and Riley families were friends and neighbors for many years.
After the war, they settled in Longview. They had three children: Mary Kay White (Edward Cutler) in Eugene, Ore., Patricia Keehn (Dell) in Mercer Island, Wash., and James B. Riley in Longview. Bernie is also survived by six adored grandchildren; seven cherished great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie was an electrical contractor. He took pride in his work and excelled. He worked for T and T in Longview and, after a few years, left to begin his own business, Twin City Electric. He had a strong work ethic with a wonderful personal touch. He delighted in helping everyone and was capable of doing almost anything from sewing together a wound, splinting broken bones and building a home from the ground up. Bernie dedicated his life to his family, church and the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 970, a lifetime member of the Elks and an active participant in the Whidbey Island Yacht Club. He was an usher at St. Rose Church for more than 60 years. Bernie was kind, gentle, much-loved and well-respected.
Bernie will be dearly missed for his love, friendship, wonderful sense of humor, generosity of spirit and incredible zest for life. He was the happiest of men, quick to laugh and ever thankful.
When he retired, Bernie and Kay moved to Whidbey Island, where he built their dream home. When Kay died, he moved back to Longview to be closer to his son Jim. They took immense pleasure in each other’s company, hunting for venison and elk, fishing and spending time together.
Bernie was a loving husband and father and a doting grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He enjoyed hunting, fishing (both fresh and saltwater), prawning in Desolution Sound, British Columbia, gardening and propagating orchids. Bernie was a fabulous cook, famous for his Hungarian nut bread and venison sausage. He could build and fix almost anything. He loved bird and squirrel watching from his living room window. He fed them faithfully to keep them coming, creating a sanctuary. Bernie was very active in his church, St. Rose, and contributed generously of his time, talent and treasure to it.
A Requiem Mass is planned for noon Thursday at St. Rose Catholic Church with Father John Bowman and Father Bryan Ochs officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose School, 720 26th Ave., Longview, Wash. 98632.
Arrangements are by Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.
