Riley Patterson

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.

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.

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.

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! 🤣🤣

I had the pleasure of playing a couple of hockey tournaments with him , he always had the locker room laughing . A funny happy guy