Saratoga community center booster dies

Riker, 51, raised more than $16K after being diagnosed with cancer

Matt Riker, a Saratoga Springs man who turned his attention to others when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, died Sunday.

Riker, 51, was a board member of the Franklin Community Center. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November, he had been planning a fun run from his house on Union Street to the Saratoga Spa State Park. Although he was hospitalized and couldn’t participate, the run went on as planned Dec. 1. It raised more than $16,000.

The community center has started raising money toward a $1 million expansion. Executive Director Kari Cushing said a donor has offered to match all donations up to $250,000, so Riker’s donation will be doubled.

The board will memorialize Riker’s life and many contributions to the center when the project is complete by placing a boulder at the entrance bearing a plaque with his name and a quote from him:

“We are united in our efforts to make our community a better place to live for everybody.”

Riker was aware of the board’s plans before his death, Cushing said.

“At Franklin we hope to honor Matt by living as he did, with humility, gratitude and endless generosity,” Cushing said Monday.

Riker is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa; his parents, three sisters and a wide circle of friends. Burial arrangements have not yet been announced.