Arlis Dean Riddles

Arlis Dean Riddles passed away peacefully at his home in Glacier View, Alaska, on May 29, 2025, at the age of 83.
He was born on January 14, 1942, in Duncan, Oklahoma. At just nine years old, Arlis lost his father in a motorcycle accident. From that young age he, and his older brother, went to work to help support the family. He often joked that he graduated from the 8th grade-"he thinks."
In 1961, Arlis met Linda Franklin and quickly knew she was the one. He confessed his love and proposed in front of a field of cows-a moment that perfectly reflected his straightforward charm. They were married in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent 64 years building a life of love, family, and adventure.
Their journey took them through Arizona, Oregon, and Texas, but in 1966 Arlis decided that even Texas wasn't big enough. He moved Linda and their two children, Gaila and Terry, to Alaska-a place he would forever call home. That same year, their third child, Timothy, was born.
In 1975, Arlis and Linda relocated their lively household-including three kids, four dogs, two cats, a pet rat, fifteen chickens, six rabbits, and four horses-from Anchorage to Glacier View, Alaska.
In 1977, Arlis welcomed another son, Russell, into his life. He spent the next 49 years building a life rooted in hard work, family, and the quiet strength of Alaska.
An oil man, Arlis built a lifelong career in Alaska's oilfields. After early work in Anchorage, he joined Exploration Explorers in 1973 and briefly worked for Parker Drilling in 1975. In 1976, a friend and fellow oilman, George Hill, persuaded Nabors Alaska Drilling to hire Arlis, declaring, "This man has oil in his veins." Arlis went on to work for both Nabors and Doyon Drilling, where he built Rig 9ES, and later returned to Nabors to build three more drilling rigs. He reluctantly retired in 1998 due to health issues.
Arlis was known for his charm, humor, caring heart, and deep love for his family. He was a father and grandfather to many-not just to those he raised, but to all who were fortunate enough to be loved by him. Arlis is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Riddles; children Gaila Rinke, Timothy Riddles, and Russell Riddles (wife Kate Riddles); granddaughter Dorothy Hrncir (husband Dustin Hrncir); great-grandchildren Ally Hrncir and Wyatt Hrncir; and extended family Tandy, Trey, Josh, and Billy Riddles. He is also survived by his sister, Violet Hayes, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlis was preceded in death by his son Terry Riddles and his son-in-law Marty Rinke.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Glacier View Bible Church, 35455 W. Glenn Highway, Sutton, Alaska. Guests are invited to bring a favorite finger food, photos, and memories to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arlis's memory may be made to:
GlacierView Bible Church
35455 W. Glenn Hwy
Sutton, AK 99674
Arlis will be remembered not only for his sense of humor and strong work ethic, but also for his extraordinary kindness, generous heart, and, most importantly, his unwavering devotion to the Lord. He was a deeply sentimental man-just as skilled building oil rigs as he was hemming his own clothes. His love for his wife was a love for the ages-steadfast, selfless, and unwavering. A true enthusiast of cars, racing, motorcycles, and anything with a motor, Arlis lived with sincerity, humility, and quiet strength. To all who knew him, he was not just a remarkable man-he was the very best of us.