Riley: George Craig,
Peacefully at Southlake Hospital, Newmarket, George Craig Riley, passed away at the age of 89 years on July 26, 2017. Beloved husband to Doreen (Bonham) for 66 years. Loving father to Lynn (Charlie Hall) and Leslie (David Philip). Predeceased by his parents – Sidney and Elizabeth (Taylor) and sister Margaret Eaboni (Ron). Remembered by his nephew and niece – Robert Eaboni and Sandra Bryson (Malcolm). George was born in 1928 in Scotland and the family moved to Toronto in 1930. As a boy, George was very athletic playing hockey, baseball and tennis and was a member of the Boys Brigade. He started working at Ontario Hydro in 1948 and left after 16 years to work in sales for a variety of companies. George thoroughly enjoyed working in sales as he was able to drive the roads of Ontario, visiting its many small towns and making many friends along the way. He eventually returned to Hydro and retired at the age of 58 years. The family was living in Schomberg at this time on a small hobby farm and George spent his days looking after the horses, dogs and cats. Friends will remember George’s stories of his time as a ski instructor at various resorts in Ontario. The family spent winter weekends at Beaver Valley Ski Club where George enjoyed teaching the sport he loved. He also spent time instructing for the Toronto Ski Hawks, a ski club for the visually impaired and was also a member of the ski patrol for several years. Horses were a passion of George’s beginning at a young age, when he showed Hackney ponies for a family friend. The Rileys purchased their first horse in 1971 and this was the start of what became a life-long hobby for the family. Many summer weekends were spent at horse shows throughout Ontario. George enjoyed music and singing or whistling along to his favourite tunes. A celebration of “The Life of Riley” will be held on August 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hollandview Trail Retirement Residence, 200 John West Way, Aurora. In memory of George, donations to The Arthritis Society would be appreciated (www.arthritis.ca). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Barb Riley says
Dear Doreen, Lynn and Leslie
My deepest sympathies to you.
Have many great memories of our times together.
Love, Barb
Elaine Williams says
The Williams family offers their deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband & father. We hope that you will find comfort in the memories of good times spent together as a family.
On a more personal note, I shall always remember stopping by the house in Etobicoke to drop Lynn off after our drives home from Brock. Visits & dinners with Lynn, Leslie, Doreen & George at their home in Tottenham are treasured memories for me. “Mr. & Mrs. Riley” always made me feel welcome & like another member of the family. George kept me entertained with his stories & sense of humour. You will certainly be missed, Mr. Riley.