November 29, 2021
REST IN PEACE
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Robert Riler of Fircrest, Washington, who passed away at the age of 70, on November 29, 2021. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Robert Riler to show support. https://www.newtacoma.com/guestbook/robert-riler
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, December 15th 2021 at 1:00 PM at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church (6730 N 17th St, Tacoma, WA 98406).
YOU WILL BE MISSED….
It was with great sadness that the Human Services announces the passing of Bob Riler, who retired in June from his position as education and outreach specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Bob was tragically struck by car while walking his dog on Sunday morning.
In his 17-year career with Pierce County Human Services, Bob was the positive, heartwarming and personable face of the ADRC and he organized almost all its community events for seniors in recent memory. His impact was recognized beyond Pierce County; Human Services staff world hear professionals from other counties say they “wished they had a Bob Riler in our county too”
Bob cared not only for the community he served but also for his fellow co-workers. “He challenged us to grow professionally and personally, encouraging us to keep reaching higher,” said Kris Dowling, and ADR case manager. Since retiring, Bob stayed in touch with his ADRC team and planned to attend a holiday gathering with them in the coming weeks. ARDC staff will deeply miss his kindness, generosity and good humor.
Outside of work, Bob was a valued member of his Fircrest community. Before joining Pierce County, he was an ordained Catholic priest in Olympia and Puyallup WA. He left parish life in 2000 and married his beloved wife, Marcia. He continued to officiate weddings over the last two decades. In his own words, he liked “to get to know couples to hear their story,…their hopes and dreams for themselves and for each other….”
This deep caring and interest in others is reflected—and will carry on—in the many ARDC programs Bob created and expanded in his time with County. Human Services is grateful for his contributions and friendship, and their thoughts are with his family.