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David Riley Obituary

RILEY, DAVID JOSHUA David Joshua Riley, born March 14, 1984, in San Diego, passed into eternal life after a tragic automobile accident on July 26, 2009. David graduated from Christian High School in 2002 and then from San Diego State University in 2006 with a BS in Recreation Administration. He was working on his MBA at the time of his passing. David loved Jesus, his family, his friends, and sports. He was all CIF in Football, Soccer and Baseball at Christian High. He was also the kicker for a semi-pro football team, The San Diego Thunder. He has worked for Calvary Chapel La Mesa Christian School, the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, The Salvation Army Kroc Center in San Diego and The Salvation Army Camp Mt. Crags. He loved to travel and loved life and people to the fullest. He adored his family and his friends. He was kind and compassionate and always helpful. He made friends easily and touched many lives in the short time he was with us. He is survived by his mother, Dr. Donna Jean Riley, his father Pastor Dr. David Riley of Calvary Chapel La Mesa, his sister Dana Elizabeth Riley, his brother, Daniel Jonathan Riley and his "adopted brother," Jonathan Graves, grandmother Lt. Colonel Gladys Ruth Riley, grandfather Severiano Castro, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. David will be missed and we love him more than we can ever express. We all look forward to meeting him in eternity, and in the meantime will carry many loving memories of our short time with him. A celebration of David's life will take place, Sunday, August 2nd, at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 6611 University Ave. at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Calvary La Mesa, Youth Scholarship Fund, 7525 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa, 91942.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Riley

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Kelly Hughes

August 15, 2009

We love you and your family. We feel saddened to read what happened to David. We have so many great memories of all of you and David camping at Yosemite. much love and prayers on your behalf. Kelly & faby Hughes, High Desert Calvary Chapel.

Judy Heidick

August 9, 2009

Doing the after care at cclmcs last year was the only times I got to see David; teaching the kids on the sports teams. I could tell by watching him how much he loved teaching the kids.
He made me feel at home there by always saying hi, how are you?
I am so sorry for your loss.
I can only imagine the smile that is now on his face being in the presence of his LORD!!!!!

The Parks

August 8, 2009

Dear Ones,
Who could have guessed the turn of events? We stand with you in your recovery and adaptation. He was a bundle of light, bringing joy to us and so many others. As Dana said, "He left his mark." He won't be forgotten. Hugs, The Parks

August 7, 2009

Dear Dave and Donna,

I was touched deeply at the memorial service of your son David. I did not know him, but I knew you both when you were his age. You both shared with him the knowledge and the power of our Sovreign God, it is evident by the life he led. He touched many lives; as you both have so faithfully done; with the gifts that Christ has bestowed on you. It is evident that you point all who know you to the King of your lives.
What more can we do to Glorify our Savior? You have raised your family to Love HIm deeply, that was evident in the service.
I'm so saddened with you by your loss. David will always be remembered by the many friends you have gathered over the years, and we will all look forward to eternity where tears will be no more.
Thank you for your life testimony ;
Your deeply treasured,
Cheryl (Walker) McCarthy, and Tony
Seattle, Wa.

Tara Hietpas

August 7, 2009

Dave, Donna, & Family,

We were so saddened to hear of your loss, and wanted to express our deepest sympathies. You are in our prayers.

Steve, Tara, Taylor, Aaron, Megan & Annika Hietpas

Sharon Tharp

August 3, 2009

Donna,
I was so shocked and horrified when my sister (Sue Orsinelli) told me of your son's tragic death. I have never met any of your children, but the last time we talked at the gym, I was sharing my spiritual struggles over Ben Hedberg's death and you were sharing about your recent bout with cancer. You shared that in the midst of your trial, the Lord gave you some wonderful times of bonding and renewed appreciation with your family - you shared some specific, touching moments with your sons. How much more precious are those moments now! The death of your firstborn son on top of everything you have been through over the past year just seems too much to bear... We have been praying, and will continue to pray, for you and your family.
Love in Jesus, Sharon

Tom & Bonnie Schenk

August 3, 2009

Dave & Family: Please know how sorry your East Coast cousins were and are to learn of this tragedy. Our prayers are with you.

Kevin Miller

August 3, 2009

Dear Riley Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. David went to Calvary Chapel school with my son Chris. I remember a very kind and ambitious boy. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

David Keen

August 3, 2009

David was a reflection of his wonderful upbringing and a beautiful family. My prayers are with you .

Joe Cusumano

August 2, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Pastor Dave and Donna Riley.

Cathy McCray

August 2, 2009

Dear Dave, Donna, and family,
We were very heartbroken to have had this very tragic news passed on to us. It is so very difficult to understand, but we pray that you will come to know the peace that passes understanding. What a comfort to know that David is rejoicing with Jesus! You are in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Love in Christ, Mark, Cathy, Andrew, Lindsey, Matthew McCray

Cyndi Boss

August 2, 2009

Dear Riley Family,
Our prayers are with you. We have fond memories of David playing soccer and little league with Kevin. He was kind and was understanding as he helped others. Watching him play sports was amazing. He loved life and played with his soul.
May you feel the LOVE and GRACE of Jesus as you grieve.
May God bless your family.
Love in Christ,
Ken, Cyndi, and Kevin Boss

Debbie Hedberg

August 1, 2009

Dear Dave, Donna, Danny, Dana & Jonathon ~
I realize these words are reaching you in the midst of a new reality... a reality of loss and pain that at times may feel more like terror. I am writing to you not to try and make everything better because that would be futile... I am only writing in hopes you won't feel so alone in your loss ~ in the knowledge that we will never stop embracing you and lifting you up, and we will always remember how beautiful David is~
Loving you all
~ Debbie, Paul & Sierra Hedberg

Brad, Debbie, Mike, Gabrielle Vilen

August 1, 2009

Dear Riley Family,
Just learned of the news today from my sister, Brenda Vilen. Even though I haven't seen you all in years, I have thought about you all many times since we moved to the San Diego area in 2002. We will be praying for you often as we did when we heard of Greg Laurie's son.
We will pray for comfort and guidance and the Lord's grace on you during this tragic time.
We thank God that you will all be reunited again someday, but it is very difficult until that time and you will be in our prayers often.

Godspeed,
Brad, Debra, Michael & Gabrielle Vilen

Joanne, Harry and Robbie Ellison

August 1, 2009

Harry, Robbie and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We have such fond memories of "little David" and your lovely family and all the exciting times we shared during his years as a little league player.

Martha File

August 1, 2009

Dear Riley Family,

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Ryan called and shared the news with me this evening. He talked about David and what a special person and friend he was to him. Your family is very special to us. We always got great comfort knowing Ryan had a family to turn to in time of need while living in SD.

Our hearts ache for you but we know you will take consolation in knowing you had a wonderful son in your life and his goodness will continue through your lives and memories.

May you find peace in the days to come and faith ease your pain.

Martha, Ken, Ryan, Katie and Mike

Bill, Laura & Chris Denhart

August 1, 2009

Dear Riley Family,
Bill, Chris and I were deeply saddened and shocked by reading of the passing concerning your beloved son David. We have vivid memories of David as a teenager playing baseball at CHS with our son Chris. We remember David being just as you described-kind, caring, considerate of others. He was a good friend to our son Chris Denhart during those high school years.
I remember coming over to your home to take pictures of our boys and their dates before they attended the Senior Banquet. I was aware of David's love and kindness towards his Mom, Donna while observing the boys getting ready for their big night.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
~Bill, Laura and Christopher Denhart

Gail Bjorklund Wiley

August 1, 2009

Dave, Donna, Danny, and Dana,
Words are so inadequite at this time, and my heart and prayers go out to you.
David will be forever frozen in my mind as a young child with that "look" in his eyes, unique to David.
Danny, you have always held a special place in my heart. You are especially in my thoughts and prayers as I know how hard this will be for you.
I love you all....Gail Bjorklund Wiley

Kitty & Earl Larsen

August 1, 2009

Dear Dave and Donna,
Earl and I were deeply saddened to read of this news of your son, David, in today's paper. When my father passed away several years ago, I found out how it feels to lose a loved one. The one thing that got me through it was to choose to trust God with it. I realize it must be much harder to lose your son, and at such a young age. I am so thankful that you can look forward to being with him again one day when you are in heaven as well. Love in Christ, Kitty & Earl Larsen

patricia warble

August 1, 2009

Very touching obituary...May he rest in peace and may the Lord bring comfort to all those dear to him that he is where he was intended to be.
with love in Christ,
Patricia Warble

August 1, 2009

Our Hearts share your tragic grief. We remember David in Fletcher Hills Little League. Someone everyone wanted their kids to be like. May God give you peace and comfort. You will be in our prayers . We know he is Heaven with our Lord and Savior. Pete $ Sheryl Stewart

Rev. Clyde Harvey

August 1, 2009

My Dear Friends... I am so shocked and saddened to read of this news today. Dave I have so appreciated your influence and friendship on my life. Words cannot express my desire for God to overwhelm you lives with his peace and understanding in the days ahead... <

Nancy Matthew

August 1, 2009

Our hearts and our prayers are with all of you. We send you hugs and our love.
Nancy, Mark and Joel Matthews

Claudia (Mahy) Lewis

August 1, 2009

Dear Donna, Dave and family,
As I sit here wondering what the right words could possibly be to send my heartfelt sadness about your David, I realized there really aren't any "right" words to say. All I know is after reading David's obituary how wonderful a young man he must have been, touching many lives with his love of life through Jesus! I can say with certainty from having the privilege of being a part of your lives Donna and Dave years ago, that from the moment your baby boy entered your lives he had no choice but to grow in to an awesome and amazing man of God because his mom and dad were, in my eyes awesome and amazingly loving, besides being so much fun to be around!!
As a mom myself to two teenage daughters, I couldn't even begin to describe the depth of love and protection I feel for them...and to even begin to understand or physically grasp that your sweet boy was taken away too early in life would be an impossible task, except for the fact that you have the love and strength of Jesus to hold you tight right now!
Going back to the early 80's I can recall so many memorable and fun times we had, playing basketball (or attempting to..) on the SA team with Donna, long walks and talks and frozen yogurt! One of those long talks Donna, I remember the sheer joy and excitement when you told me you were going to have a baby! In fact if I remember correctly, it was during the summer of 1983 when I was blessed with Pastor Dave baptising me, and Donna right next to me in Mission Bay, plus our water skiing adventures (of which one day I played hookey from work in L.A. upon Dave's inspirational words!!) :)
I remember first seeing and cuddling your sweet baby David in the spring of 1984 when I flew to California from Oregon for a friend's wedding. The look of a glowing new mommy in love with her baby boy and that huge grin on daddy's face was priceless to me.
Thank you for letting me experience your love and life then, as during that pivotal and vulnerable time in my life helped mold me in to part of who and what I am today. So, during this sad time, but also celebrating the life of David Joshua especially during his memorial tomorrow, please know that I will be there in prayer and thought.
With love, Claudia

Martin and Debbie Bogle

August 1, 2009

Dear Dave,Donna,Danny and Dana,
Martin and I want you to know how much we love you all.We know David is with Jesus and sharing that big smile with everyone in heaven. We know you will miss him but our blessing is that we will all be together again. One day with our Lord that is his Promise and we are so thankfull that we have a loving God. We love you and will continue to pray for your family.
Love In Christ Name
Martin and Debbie Bogle

Stephanie Sears

August 1, 2009

He was a great coach and a incrediable person. He was wonderful with the kids
He was kind and patient he will surely be missed.As a parent who has lost a child I know how hard it is..
We will be praying for you and your family..
Take care and God bless
Sears family (Kali Fleming)

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