Riley Patterson
February 24, 1984 - June 13, 2025
Obituary
Riley William Patterson was born February 24th, 1984, in Billings, Montana. Riley was sent to the golden rink in the sky on June 13th, 2025.
Riley was the light and life of the party, and his goal was to put a smile on your face. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and he loved big. He loved his family and friends with his whole heart, from his one-of-a-kind laugh to his obnoxious shirts. And he would have given one of those shirts off his back to whoever needed it.
Riley had a passion for sports, especially hockey and golf. The passion for hockey started at the age of four. Hockey took him to Eastend/Kincaid, Canada, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Riley participated in every softball game, kickball game, pool league tournament, or, of course, keg stand. He was always on the winning team. Riley never lost, even if he had to make up the rules as the game went on. He was competitive in every way. He lived life to the fullest.
Riley is survived by his mother, Meridee Patterson, his sister Caley Patterson, brother-in-law, Charlie Harris, his brother Hazen Patterson, and sister-in-law Jill Jussila-Patterson. As well as three nieces, Ayanae, Imari, and Genai Harris, and 2 nephews, Maverick and Bodhi Patterson. He also left behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Riley is finally with his father, Shane Patterson.
Remember him for the way he lived: with big, loud, exuberant love, and for the profound impact that he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from 2-5 PM at Lake Hills Golf Club, 1930 Clubhouse Way, Billings, MT.
Please celebrate the life of Riley with his fashion sense by wearing fedoras, outrageous shirts, plaid on plaid, or any other fantastic Riley garb you hold in treasured memory. If you have a photo of Riley you would like to share with friends and family, please bring a printed copy to hang on the photo tree.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Riley’s memorial fund.
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Jun 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM MDT
Lake Hills Golf Club • 1930 Clubhouse Way, Billings, MT 59105
Photos
Memories
AG
Amy Goodman
Friend •
Even though I didn’t know him closely, he always left a lasting impression. Some people walk into a room and instantly lift the mood. That was him. His laugh was a contagious one that made you smile before you even knew why. No matter what kind of day you were having, that laugh could turn it around.
CC
Christy Costello
Friend •
My fondest memories with Riley were going to lunch in high school. I had a tiny hatchback vehicle; he'd contort himself in the hatch area, while letting the ladies have the seats up front. We'd pull up to some food place and all come piling out of the car. This was a regular occurrence until I started attending the career center. I will miss him.
KS
Katrina Spivey
Family •
Bozeman, Feb 2021: The roads were bad, but the pass had just opened. I had just flew in from Vegas and needed a ride home to Billings. My husband was home with our babygirl and we didn't want to get her out in that weather. I was looking for a ride when Nana reached out and let me know that Riley just flew in from Alaska and was also stuck in Bozo. SAY LESS! Knowing Riley grew up in this climate, I had no doubt he'd be able to get us there if I got us a rental. I buy you flyyyyy. We grabbed some grub and hit the road. On the way a Hwy Patrol car got in front of us to slow us down. I assumed the roads were pretty good by now because we were making great time, so I mentioned it to Riley. He says to me: 'I was white knuckling it for a while there'. I would have never known the roads were still icy if he hadn't told me. He kept that car in complete control and it was smooth sailing. He (with the Grace of God) got us home safely. Throughout the ride, we laughed, talked, listened to music and shared memories. The entire time he kept his cool, navigating the road and keeping us safe. I say all of that to say, thank you Riley. You will continue to be deeply missed.
SK
Sojourn Keller
Family •
When we were kids, Riley dug out all this catchers gear from underneath the staircase, and had me put it on. He then positioned me in front of the goalie net in the basement and told me he needed a live person to practice shooting pucks at. I was out of that catchers gear so fast and up the stairs. No way no how was I gonna do that! 🤣🤣
JB
Jim BARONE
Friend •
I had the pleasure of playing a couple of hockey tournaments with him , he always had the locker room laughing . A funny happy guy
Z
Zoie
Coworker •
When I worked at shooters I felt uncomfortable closing by myself one night and he took the time out of his day off to get out of bed and come stay outside while I was closing to make me feel more comfortable. He was a very kind, caring and giving person and will always be remembered ❤️