A funeral mass will be held Monday for Ken Riley, the first faculty member hired by Lethbridge College to create its Law Enforcement program in 1969.
Riley, 91, died Tuesday. Family and friends can pay their respects between 6 and 9 p.m. Sunday at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel, 610 4 St. S., Lethbridge. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2405 12 Ave. S., Lethbridge. Liturgy of the Word will take place at 11 a.m. May 22 at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 5427 43 Street, Vegreville.
Riley retired from a career in the RCMP to serve as founding chair of the Law Enforcement program which opened in 1969. He retired in 1987.
“It is always sad to lose a friend and a comrade,” said retired instructor Roland Barber, who worked with Riley from 1981. “He was a big man with a big heart.
“Ken was a dedicated person to not only the program but to the community. He was a very kind person to the students and staff. You never worked for Ken. You always worked with him.”
Ann Parks, who also taught in the program, remembered Riley as a highly intelligent and fair person.
“He was phenomenal,” she said. “His desk was piled high with paper. You could always go to him and say ‘Remember that case. . .’ and he’d dig through the pile and find it. He was just unbelievable.”
A devoted member of the Lions Club, he encouraged students to volunteer in the community and founded the Leo Club, through which Criminal Justice – Policing students continue to volunteer and raise money for community causes.
“He was a great role model for students,” Barber said.
Condolences can be shared online at the Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels site.