George Harvey Riley, 53

George Harvey Riley, 53, of Columbia Falls “went to be with his Lord and Savior” on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Riley Sr.; his mother, Mary Riley; his sister, Pamela Preston; and two sons, Matthew and Mark.

George was born on July 21, 1960, in Kalispell. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1978.  He lived in Arizona for several years before returning home to the Flathead Valley.

For over 20 years George worked at Checker/O Reilly’s as an assistant manager. He was always so proud when someone came into the store and specifically asked for his help.

George was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passionate love of reading and he passed that love to his daughter at a young age. He also loved to collect coins and spent much of his time trying to acquire rare currency. 

Those who have met George know that he was always up for a joke or two. His biggest joy came from being able to make people smile. 

George is survived by his daughter, Amanda Terrell and her husband Tim Terrell, his wife of 24 years, Cindy Schmidt, his stepdaughter, Shawn VanQuekelberg, two granddaughters, Josephine Terrell and Brittany Stevenson, one great-grandson, Simon Knapton, two older siblings, Cindy Hollis and her husband Butch Hollis, Dale Riley, and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Riley, all of the Flathead Valley. George had many beloved nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his faithful companion, Elijah.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the North Valley Community Center on Nucleus in Columbia Falls. A potluck gathering will follow.