Work
Welding & Sheet Metal Work
Riley was dual enrolled his senior year of high school at the Intermediate School District Technology Center in both the Welding Program and the Advanced Manufacturing Program.
Having completed the entire ISD Welding Program during his junior year of high school, Riley was able to do a paid work study during his senior year in place of classroom study.
While the work wasn't always glamorous, Riley was always happy to take on any new project along with the learning opportunity it presented.
Volunteer Work
Fire Department
While much of Riley's volunteer work was as a Cadet Firefighter with the Mattawan Fire District, he was also involved with a few local charity organizations and conservation programs.
Much of the fire department work involved fighting grass fires, station cleanup and truck washing.
Duties also included parade appearances and many hours tending downed power lines during storms.
Snowmobiling
Lifelong love of snowmobiling
Riley loved snowmobiling. He was a member of the snowmobile club in high school and would take advantage of any opportunity to ride.
A natural talent
Riley was truly gifted on a snowmobile, and to watch him ride was a magical experience. He made everything he did on a sled appear effortless, especially carving in fresh powder.
Off the beaten path
Riley was always one to go his own way, and his snowmobiling was no different. He loved off-trail riding and was always looking for a new hill to climb or drift to bust anywhere the riding took him.
Riley probably spent more hours of his life behind a set of handlebars than anywhere else. He was fortunate enough to be able to ride all over Michigan, in both the Upper and Lower Peninsula, as well as the back country mountains of Wyoming, where he honed his powder riding skills.
Snocross Racing
Posing in the pits
Riley's love for snowmobiling was so great that if he wasn't trail riding or back country riding he was racing.
Early Start
Riley ran his first snocross race at age 5 and was hooked when he won and received a trophy.
First National Podium
By the age of 8 he was riding on the national race circuit and was consistently placing on the podium.
Finish Line Jump
Riley showing how it's done; coming across the finish line jump with a little tail whip.
Late Season Race
Late season race + soft slushy snow + bad holeshot = face full of snow! But he was in good spirits about it.
Airing It Out
Bittersweet moment as Riley airs it out across the tabletop jump one last time in the final race of his career.
Hunting
Hunting North America
Riley's other great love was hunting and just like his snowmobiling it took him all over; from Michigan to Wyoming, Canada, Alaska and Florida.
Wyoming Mule Deer
Taking aim on a mule deer in the mountains of Wyoming.
Lake Superior Waterfowl
Riley and his dog patiently waiting for some ducks or geese to appear. These two would spend hours and hours in the field.
Manitoba Goose
The annual trip to Manitoba Canada always proved successful in yielding some big birds.
Scanning the skyline
Early morning in Manitoba Canada. All set up and just waiting for the birds to appear.
Fishing too!
Shown here fishing an inland Florida lake. Riley was also lucky enough to fish the iconic Kenai River in Alaska for salmon.
All the Rest
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Weekends spent camping with friends and running trucks, quads, dirtbikes and side by sides in the dunes.
All About the Thrill
Just because there was no snow didn't mean the thrills had to stop. If it had a motor and could go fast, Riley was all about it.
Touring on the Harley
Suiting back up after a quick break while touring on the motorcycles.
Exploring
Exploring along the Lake Superior shoreline on one of many family vacations spent in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
A boy and his dog
Not sure who loved who more, but these two went everywhere and did everything together.
Swimming with dolphins
Riley had the incredible experience of swimming with the dolphins while spending the day at Discovery Cove.