John Edward Riley

Captain John Edward Riley, aged 58, passed away peacefully at the University of Utah Medical ICU after a long battle with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma on Monday, July 20, 2015. John was born December 22nd 1956, in San Francisco, California to Magellan Edward and Margaret Clarke Riley. John had a lifelong love of aviation. His father would take him to the airport to watch the planes land and take off. An airplane ride with his Uncle Alan, when he was three years old, sealed the deal. He earned his Private Pilot license in 1978 in Fort Lewis, Washington while serving in the military. Using the GI Bill, he went on to receive his Commercial Pilot license and his Flight Instructor rating. He taught flying in Salt Lake City and Ogden. He Joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1993 and remained active until 2011, when he became too ill to fly. He was a Check Airman and flight Instructor for them as well. John was a Captain with Continental Express Airline/ExpressJet Airline until his health forced him to quit flying. He was a member of the Airline Pilots Association and was still on the Seniority List at ExpressJet Airlines at the time of his passing. He had been a Captain for 10 of his 12 years flying for the airline John proudly served over 15 years with the US Army. Most of that time was spent playing the French Horn in various Army Bands. John graduated with a BS from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. In 2009, John met his wife Lisa. It was love at first sight, and they married six weeks later. John adopted Lisa's son, Lucas, the following year, and the three of them were sealed for time and all eternity on February 4th 2012 in the Jordan River Temple. They enjoyed traveling together, especially cruises, and were able to go on several during their marriage. John was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After becoming disabled, he served a mission at the West Jordan Employment Resource Center and later at the West Valley City location after building a new home. He truly enjoyed serving the people that came into the center looking for work. He was honorably released after fulfilling his 18 month calling. He remained a volunteer until his health forced him to quit. At the time of his death, he was serving in the High Priest Group Leadership. John is survived by his wife Lisa; four children, John Edward Riley, Jr (Cami), Taylor Ray Davidson-Riley, Lacianne Cole Carriere and Robert Lucas Riley; siblings Elizabeth Kandu (Lee), Patricia Montana (David) and Timothy Riley (Charlotte). Preceded in death by his parents and brother Peter Douglas Riley. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. at the Copperhill 5th Ward, 4333 South 6400 West. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2015, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 Redwood Road and on Monday at the church prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, West Valley. Place of Birth:San Francisco, CaliforniaPlace of Death:Salt Lake City, Utah