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William S. Risley

William Risley Obituary

RISLEY-William S. Educational consultant and longtime resident of Washington, CT. Died February 12 of postoperative complications at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Beloved husband of Jane, father of Mandy and Emily, stepfather of John and grandfather of Julia. He is deeply mourned as well by his stepmother, Virginia Risley deCourcy of Washington; brother John; sister Mary; and stepbrothers, Dr. Charles de Sieyes and David de Sieyes and a host of friends in Litchfield County, CT. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday at 11 A.M. in the Washington Club Hall on Route 47 in Washington. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Steep Rock Association, Inc., the land trust, P.O. Box 279, Washington, CT 06794.

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Published by New York Times from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Risley

11 Entries

Geoffrey Boynton

February 19, 2006

Nancy and I just returned from the service for Bill Risley. To consider myself lucky would be a considerable understatement. Bill was brash and quick to celebrate the moment. We were all struggling in Evergreen, Colorado: twisting and turning economically - trying to survive. On one Sunday , over more than one beer, both of us out of work, trying to invent way of paying for things we knew we could not afford, Bill and I decided to go into business - the building business. By Thursday of that week, I had our first client: to build a staircase. Bill came to the job well-equipped: newly purchased leather apron, framing square, circle saw and a large 16 oz. framing hammer which Bill mysteriously named Mildred...Hey, Bill, can I borrow your hammer? - -Hell, no! Get your own. Mildred's mine.

We built the staircase: A How-To-Carpentry book at the ready. The staircase: the first attempt was upside down, but we got it right and got paid. The world then was slightly askew but Bill nudged me in a new life direction. I was the "B" in R & B Enterprises. I stayed with home building and development. Although I never figured out who Mildred was, she left a clear and distinct mark on the wood. There are memories---the best.

Tante Marie's Cooking School Full-time Culinary students

February 18, 2006

We wanted to extent our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Your family is in our thoughts.

Tony and Teresa Hargrave-Daloisio

February 17, 2006

Bill will forever be etched in our hearts and minds...One of his most notable qualities was his love of life, his precious wife and his family. We will miss him so very much.

Shelley Crawford McCabe

February 16, 2006

So sorry Mandy to hear about your Dad. Stay strong.

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Nancy Sklavos-Gillett

February 15, 2006

If there are motorcycles in heaven, he'll be riding one. His mirth and humor will entertain the angels. Bill Risley left this earth and those who love him far too soon. With him journey many hearts. We'll miss you, Willy.

Pamela Burd

February 15, 2006

You left so many fond and funny memories from Ft. Dix and Evergreen. Because of you, my grandmother allowed beer for the first time in her home. You gave her some happiness. We had a whole lot of fun filming "Cosmic Cowboys" in Evergreen. And of course, how I remember the first staircase you built with R&B Construction. You will be greatly missed buddy.

Pam Burd

Suzy &John Love

February 14, 2006

What great fun we had in Evergreen (Colorado) in the early days. What a wonderful sense of humor. John & Bill had a rental house that we incorporated as Great Western United Home,Inc. We flipped to see who would be Pres or Chairman of the Board. Sawed a hole in the roof to put in a Franklin stove... neither of us had any idea of what we were doing. Never made any money, but made great stories. Part of us is gone, but alive in our memory.

Donald Usher

February 14, 2006

Bill will be missed by all who knew him,at Blair,and in his life after school.

carl jacobs

February 14, 2006

my condolences, Blair Class of '63, and friend of Michael Jackson

Diane Spence

February 14, 2006

With fond memories of the many wonderful occasions we shared with our families and friends at the Vermont house Michael and Bill bought together; and with gratitude for the carpentry, electrical, etc. skills Bill imparted that have served Michael (mostly) and me well over many years.

Michael Spence

February 14, 2006

Am devastated to hear of Bill's passing. We had way too many wonderful times together at The Gunnery, over the poker table, in Vermont and at the Round Table. His death will leave a hole in education, in Washington and for those of us who knew and loved him. My family extends our deepest sympathies to his family and close friends for their loss. Michael and Diane Spence

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