Willard Riley ’71

Willard Riley ’71 died on April 10, 2021, from heart failure. Born in 1949 in Sidney, New York, to Elsie Ruland and Ralph Riley, Bill spent his formative years in Littleton, New Hampshire. Bill’s passion for music was ignited at a young age, particularly through his involvement in the school band and training in piano. At Dartmouth he was introduced to the organ repertoire, kindling his interest in that instrument. His love of music and sense of adventure led him, along with first wife Donna, to France and Germany, where he studied organ building for three years. After a brief return to the United States, he and his young family moved in 1979 to Montreal, Canada, where he initially worked as an organ builder and continued tuning and repairing organs and playing in a variety of churches through the years. In Quebec, Canada, Bill’s dynamic musical life revolved primarily around discovering and mastering various brass instruments and being involved in as many musical endeavors as possible. He took every opportunity to make music with small groups, trios, marching bands, and orchestras. He also partnered with friends to compose and produce original works. Bill’s greatest pleasure was teaching and encouraging other musicians, and for that he was respected and loved. He is survived by son Patrick, daughter Rose, wife Toni, stepsons Phillip and Patrick, sisters Mary and Carol, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.