Obituary of Kim Alexander Riley

Kim Alexander Riley, 62, of Kingston, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, at Providence Care Hospital. He concluded his battle with cancer, with those left behind admiring his strength right to the end.

Kim will be forever missed by his loving wife, Trish Burley Riley. Trish patiently and gently cared for her sweetheart at home during his illness until he went to hospital for his final two days. Kim and Trish originally met in 1993 but their lives took them on different paths until 2017 when they reconnected and chose each other as life partners, never anticipating such a fleeting time together.

Kim will be fondly remembered by Trish’s children, Daylia and Jorden Peterson and his brother-in-law, Dan Burley.

Kim was the youngest in a close-knit family of eight children. Kim nurtured this closeness by frequent visits and phone calls to family members. He was predeceased by his oldest brother, Barry and his youngest sister, Thea. He will be lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings:  Linda Van Hal (Frank), Wayne Riley, Carol Lee Riley (Larry Soles), Jamie Riley, Robert Riley (Ann). Also remembered by Julie Riley, Bruce Hopkins and Jackie Brash. He was a wonderful uncle to eight nieces and nephews:  Mandy Clark, David Van Hal, Ashley Heyman, Shaun Riley, Aaron Riley, Kelly Riley Soles, Michael Hopkins and Allyson Hopkins. His memory lives on in the hearts of his eight great nieces and nephews of whom he was immensely proud. 

Kim was born in Pembroke, Ontario on September 25, 1961, to Linnea and Robert James Riley (both pre-deceased). Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Kingston where he grew up. After high school, he spent time in British Columbia, working at a variety of jobs. When he came back to Kingston, he began learning carpentry and spent most of his working life perfecting that trade. In recent years, he was the owner of Sound Construction, developing close relationships with his clients, fellow tradespersons, and his suppliers.  He always had a joke or an anecdote to share, so everyone looked forward to seeing him.

Kim was an excellent hockey player in his youth and was presented with numerous trophies for his high scoring talents. He continued to play hockey throughout his life. He especially enjoyed the bonding moments with his hockey friends in the AA Coffee Club team in Sudbury.

Kim never forgot his time living in Rockhaven, Sudbury and was grateful to his sister, Jamie, for finding him a place to recover. Kim was a member of AA and his family are proud of what he was able to accomplish during almost two decades of sobriety.  Because of his own experiences, he was understanding and sympathetic to the struggles of others. He always thought the best of everyone.

Kim had two favourite hobbies:  fishing and motorcycles. Kim loved Harleys and was the proud owner of many bikes. His brother, Wayne and he rode many miles together, including a recent trip to British Columbia to visit their brother Robert. His family hopes he is now riding his dream Harley down the road to his favourite fishing hole in the back lakes.  Kim, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.

The phone calls, letters, cards, and visits Kim received during the final weeks of his life were a tremendous source of joy, peace, and comfort to him.

A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at the Italo-Canadian Club of Kingston, 1174 Italia Lane, Kingston on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A private burial will occur at a later date. Donations in Kim’s memory may be made to Partners In Mission Food Bank or the Kingston Humane Society.