Gary L. Riley

On a breezy sunny day on the Ides of March 2021, Gary L. Riley caught the wind at 1:11 p.m. and flew off to his next adventure. His last days were spent in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loved ones who will forever miss his joy of life, humor, storytelling and intellect.

Gary was born on April 21, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, to Marvin and Alma (Goetz) Riley. While Marvin served overseas during World War II, Gary grew up amidst the Goetz side of the family in rural Odessa. These formative years fostered the bold, boundless spirit he embodied his entire life.

At the age of 12, Gary was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes. In 1955, his physician advised him not to waste a moment because he would likely be blind by age 30 and dead by age 40. That dire prognosis inspired Gary to live each day to the fullest, and he staved off both predictions. Diabetic retinopathy stole the vision in his left eye when he was 45 and impaired his right eye. Despite this, he continued to engage in his love of photography. He managed to outlive his original death sentence by 37 years, and considered each year a gift, as did his loved ones.

Gary craved learning and graduated with honors from Lewis & Clark High School in 1961. Serving as class president his senior year, he remained close with classmates throughout his life. He went to Gonzaga University, an experience he frequently recalled with fondness. His professors introduced him to literature, theology, history and fed his insatiable need to acquire knowledge. He went on to Stanford University where he earned a double PhD in Sociology and Education.

In the late 1960s,Gary became the assistant superintendent of Pasco Unified School District (Washington), where he worked tirelessly to help desegregate the schools, promote diversity among the staff, and restore peace during a tumultuous time. From there he became a professor in the UCLA Graduate School of Education (1973-79), where he co-authored two textbooks on academic governance and mentored graduate students, some of whom would become lifelong friends.

From 1979-92, he held a number of positions at Fresno State, first as Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Not content to grow fat and sassy on the perks of being a civil servant, Gary chose to use his skills to write grants and attract unique programs and research projects. In 1981, he was responsible for bringing Upward Bound to the school. This program, which continues to this day,offers support and guidance to low-income, first-generation college bound high school students.

From 1984-92, he secured federal funding for and participated in the following programs: a multi-year longitudinal study to evaluate the effectiveness of higher education on migrant families;a $1M grant from AT&T to develop computer-based information dissemination for California agricultural sectors; the establishment of CSUPER-Net, an innovative on-line information system funded by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. He also developed and funded Advanced Learning Technologies at California Agricultural Technology Institute,which used state of the art audio, video and computer technology to create educational curriculum.

By 1993, Gary became a consultant to the college, which enabled his family to move to Fort Bragg. He often said it was the best move they ever made. His kids could be raised in an environment free from city stresses. He could use his more flexible schedule to spend time fishing. He became a mentor to many local youth, encouraging them to establish goals and seek higher education.

Gary’s vast knowledge and raucous sense of humor will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Kate Erickson; his beloved children, Garth (Heather), Jennifer Hotes (Doug), Harrison (Kasi), and Laine (Julian); grandchildren, Ceri, Marcus, Nora, Bryn, Parker and Lilla; sister, Joyce Harris (Jim); and nephews, Blaine and Kyle Smith. He is also survived by special friends Jared and Marcia Williams, Jeff Ennen, Larry Caudill and George Montgomery.

Gary worked in countless ways to create educational opportunities for youth who needed assistance. To continue his legacy, paired with his deep love of Fort Bragg, his family has established the Gary L. Riley Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. Each year, this fund will award $1,000 to at least one graduating Fort Bragg High School senior who wishes to pursue any type of post-secondary education.

Donations can be made to CFMC, 204 S. Oak, Ukiah, CA 95482. Please make checks payable to CFMC with Gary L. Riley Memorial Scholarship in the memo line. Or you can donate online at https://tinyurl.com/garyrileyfortbragg