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Willard "Bill" Riley
June 12, 1949 - April 10, 2021
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<div itemprop="description">Born in 1949 in Sidney, New York, to Elsie Ruland and Ralph Riley, Bill spent his formative years in Littleton, New Hampshire, followed by academic studies at Dartmouth College. <br> <br>Bill’s passion for music was ignited at a young age, particularly through his involvement in the school band and training in piano. At Dartmouth, he was introduced to the organ repertoire, kindling his interest in that instrument. His love of music and sense of adventure led him, along with his first wife Donna, to France and Germany, where he studied organ building for three years. After a brief return to the US, he and his young family moved to Montreal in 1979, where he initially worked as an organ builder, and continued tuning and repairing organs and playing in a variety of churches over the years. <br> <br>In Quebec, Bill’s dynamic musical life revolved primarily around discovering and mastering various brass instruments, and being involved in as many musical endeavors as possible. He took every opportunity to make music with small groups, trios, marching bands and orchestras. He also partnered with friends to compose and produce original works. <br> <br>Bill’s greatest pleasure was teaching and encouraging other musicians, and for that he was respected and loved up to and beyond his untimely death. <br> <br>He left us on April 10, 2021, when his heart failed him. He is survived by his son Patrick, daughter Rose, wife Toni, stepsons Phillip and Patrick, and sisters Mary and Carol, as well as many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. <br> <br>We will miss his quiet chuckles, his silly puns, and his passionate curiosity. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>***We will be posting news of upcoming funeral events or gatherings in his honour as soon as they are known. <br> <br>***Nous partagerons ici les détails des services funéraires ou autres événements en son honneur dès qu'ils seront disponibles. <br></div>