Kevin Barry Riley of Lynden was born on March 2, 1936, to Jack and Barbara (Walsh) Riley in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He passed away on June 27, 2015, at the age of 79.
Kevin attended Vancouver College High School, graduated from West Vancouver High School and attended Loyola University in Los Angeles. He joined the U.S. Army and spent almost two years in Korea. He married Margaret (Peg) Dorsey in 1962, and they were married for 53 years.
After working several years as an insurance adjuster in Los Angeles, Kevin decided to return to his true love: golf. He was highly ranked as an amateur golfer in B.C. — 1952 Jaycee International Jr. Golf Champion — and started his golf career working as an assistant pro for several clubs in the L.A. area, including Lakeside Country Club. In 1972 he obtained the position of head professional at Fairmount Country Club in Chatham, New Jersey, and remained there until he retired in 1994. He was a member of the U.S. Professional Golf Association for 47 years. His love of teaching the game of golf gained him the nickname of “coach” from his admirers. They also remember him as a “sports trivia whiz.” Kevin and Peg moved to West Vancouver, B.C., spent the winters in Palm Desert, California, and later moved to Lynden.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Peg; sisters-in-law Patricia Wellman (Chuck) and Ellen Riley; nieces Shannon (Doug) Caseman, Mary Colleen Riley, Erin (Hank) Baumgart and Bridget Larsen; nephews Sean (Marie) Riley and Michael (Sheri) Riley; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Jack and Bryan.
A memorial service and reception will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 205 12th St., Lynden, at 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lynden Pioneer Museum, 217 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264, and Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.
