Gerald Roy Riley Sr.

1936 - 2024

Beloved son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather and friend went to be with his lord and savior at Denali Center Fairbanks on Aug. 21, 2024, in the loving arms of his dear wife of 58 years, Marge Riley.
Gerald was born to Harry Riley and Grace Smith Riley near Old Minto on Nov. 8, 1936. Jerry attended school in Wrangell and Mt. Edgecumbe until he was 15. He then went back to his father in Old Minto. That is where his father taught him how to hunt, trap, fish and make dog sleds. He left Old Minto to go to Fairbanks to work different jobs in construction, dog handling and training, river boating and as a deck hand on the ferry in Nenana.
In 1955 he joined the Navy serving on the Lexington and Hancock, stationed in San Diego. Longing to go back to Alaska after finishing his four years of service, he returned, putting together a dog team with the help of his father and uncle. For many years after he raced in any local races he could. Going on to win the 1976 lditarod, one of the toughest sporting events in all the world. His other local dog racing career achievements include, 2nd Place in the Yukon Quest, 2nd Place in the Kuskokwim 300, he holds the record for the Kobuk 440 and a record set as the first Musher to attempt the Yukon Quest and lditarod in the same year.
In 1964 he went outside to race with his friend Charlie Ned, racing on the west and east coasts. Returning to Alaska he went on to race through parts of Canada with his leaders Sharkie and Jasper. This was made possible by a fund raising campaign put together by the Nenana community.
Leaving his dogs with a friend, he went to the Midwest to find the next chapter of his life. In Iowa he ended up gaining employment and finding his soulmate Margie Gillispie. They married on Jan. 24, 1966, spending the next 58 years together. Living out their lives in Alaska where his heart was anchored. There he provided a home and its comforts, working different jobs and racing his dogs. In September 1970 the joy of his life arrived, his son, named Gerald Roy Riley II affectionately nicknamed "Guy". His family, completing his life as his greatest achievement.
Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 31, at the Mitch Demientieff Tribal Hall in Nenana, a service followed at 1 p.m. and a covered dish at 4 p.m.
Rest in peace my love and friend. May you be with God.