Spencer Riley

Spencer Michael Riley passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017. He struggled during his life in a way that was not unique to him, but is shared by many, though often unbeknownst to those around them, sometimes even to those who love them most. Although he ultimately succumbed to those struggles, they do not define his life or Spencer as a person.

Spencer is the second son of Timothy and Catherine (Derouin) Riley. He graduated from Dover-Eyota High School and over the years completed college courses with the goal of being a physical therapist. Spencer was a hard worker and skilled craftsman in many trades, including siding, tree trimming and cabinetry.

What really matters about Spencer is who he is to his acquaintances, family and friends. For those who know him, he is someone they love because one truly cannot know him without loving him. For those who have not had that pleasure, his friends and family, the world, have lost a humble and gentle soul, so special and unique that summarizing the loss in words is impossible. Spencer loved nature and was comfortable being alone in it. He liked to go for walks, with no distractions, to absorb the beauty around him. Another longtime passion was music. Not content with having it play in the background, he preferred to commit time to really listening to music and appreciating it. Among his other pastimes were Frisbee golf, billiards, darts, Ping-Pong in the family "game room," and caring for his cat Jimi.

He was a cherished member of a large immediate and extended family, and welcome participant in the gatherings that revolved primarily around food, reminiscing, teasing and laughter.

Spencer sincerely enjoyed connecting with people one-on-one, if not in person, at least on the phone where he could hear their voice. He was one of the great few who valued the intimacy of a hand-written letter over the convenience of email or text. Spencer knew how to love, not in grand gestures, but in quiet, subtle ways that came from a deep and genuine place. Spencer had a wry sense of humor, a beautiful laugh and a slightly lopsided smile that will forever be missed.

Spencer's dad and paternal grandparents are welcoming him with open arms.

He is survived by his maternal grandparents, Jeanette DeRouin and Jim Fred DeRouin; his mom, Cathy; and seven siblings, Sean, Jackie, Shannon, Nick, Pete, Owen and Kayla; and many family and friends.

The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota. An open house will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Riley home at 3039 County Road 102 SE, Eyota.

"The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye ... until we meet again." — Jimi Hendrix