Obituary of Willis Floyd Riley

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Willis "Floyd" Riley on June 27, 1938 in Alamosa, Colorado. He preferred to be called "Floyd". He and his sister, Barbara were joyfully adopted into the family of Willis Riley and Eva Anita Hodges. He had three adopted brothers, Ronald, Donald and James and one adopted sister, Alice; all of whom were the biological children of his mother, Eva. "In his energetic youth, Floyd was a Boy Scout leader, band leader and community volunteer. He organized events at the North Side Recreation Center and tried to work with Denver Housing Authority to improve conditions in the Luiss Newton Housing Project in north Denver." Always close to his family, Floyd took care of his brothers and sisters in their formative years. Floyd received his formal education in the Denver Public School System. He graduated from North High School. An upholsterer by profession, Floyd was employed for many years with Luxurest in the position of Production Line Manager. He was known for hard work, dedication to his job, dependability and being a pleasure to work with. In his free time, he enjoyed family, friends, mountain road trips, classic movies, politics, current events, dogs and golf green manicured lawns. His best friends were Don Kellenhofer (with whom he shared many camping trips), Brenda Kay Gastem and Robert Renfro. They loved him for his loyalty, self sacrifice, patience, common sense approach to problems and comforting demeanor. "Floyd's compassionate common sense and ability to comfort in times of distress were a guide during his life and remain his legacy." Family remained extremely important to Floyd all of his life. He had helped his siblings in youth and later tried to always be there for his nieces and nephews. "He was deeply concerned for the welfare of his brothers and sisters and later their progeny." His love, caring and compassion will be deeply missed by everyone who shared a part of Floyd's life. To know him was to love him. The sun set on the life of Mr. Willis "Floyd" Riley on August 31, 2014 when he passed into eternal rest. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted friend, Robert Renfro of Denver; sister-in-law, Carla Riley of Aurora, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace...Floyd