JOHN BLAIR RILEY

John was a professor of mine at Kansas State 1985-1987, what a great mentor. Wish of could of said goodbye. The most important mentor of my life and I owe so much to him.

Dr. Riley has made a profound positive impact in our son's, Matt, life in his direction in undergraduate school at UTK in the CASNR Program. And, after his wise advising, Matt is now in the CASNR Master's Program. Over the years Matt has referred to Dr. Riley as a great man who devoted his life to his students' education and well being.
Although we have only met Dr Riley, we will be forever grateful for his life and the legacy he has left in Matt and so many other students.

To John's Family: I deeply regret John's passing and that I did not know about it for quite some time after his services were over. I am a neighbor who valued his many contributions to our little community. His dedication to his students, to the natural world, music and friends was significant. He was a fine man and is definitely missed.

I knew Dr Riley as a friendly competitor in Student NAMA competitions. And, you always had to watch out for his team because they were prepped are ready. He was a kind man and he will be missed. Prayers are with the family.

I was on the national judges panel for Dr. Riley's Student NAMA team in April 2013. His passion for his students was obvious. Though I never personally met him, after the competition, he took the time to write a letter thanking me for dedicating my time to help his students. It was an unexpected, but wonderful note to receive and I even saved it. What a loss the agriculture community has suffered.

Dear John's Family- I was shocked to just learn of John's untimely passing. John and I were at K-State together- I was an Asst Director in their Career Center working with Ag placement and John was an Asst Professor in Ag Economics. Goodness, did I ever discover a gem in John when it came to helping with students and employment. He knew every student in the Dept and his care for them was obvious from our 1st meeting. We went on to have several meetings and phone calls over a 4 year period...

Dr. Riley was a great mentor and professor.

I was John's housekeeper for 18 years and made sure Peebles was fed and watered when he was out of town. He was one of the most precious, loving men of our time with his heart of gold. He would help anyone he could. I am so sorry that I was out of town and did not learn of this until Sunday. I am so sorry I did not get to tell you goodbye but I am thankful that we had our coffee and talk last Thursday morning. I love you and will never, ever forget you.

John was a great neighbor and wonderful person thinking and doing for others he will be remembered for his many acts of kindness.