William Allen Riley *Update*

Representative William Allen Riley succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's after a valiant 15 year battle, on February 27, 2017. William was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Colonel James Wilson Riley and Eugenie Ward Root at the turn of the century, to a privileged family, where he learned the importance of public service, grace, kindness and acceptance of all, no matter what creed, race, religion, class or LGBTQ orientation. He is a direct descendant of signers of the Declaration of Independence, and first cousin to Secretary of Education Richard Riley. He was childhood friends with President George Herbert Walker Bush, and attended elementary school and then college with him at Yale University. His studies at Yale University were interrupted by World War II, when he volunteered to serve and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and was a tank commander in the Philippines preparing for the invasion of Japan. He was a firm believer that the atomic bombs saved both American and Japanese lives by ending the war. He then married Rosaly Swann (Bass), of Peterborough, NH (Rosaly's Garden). They resided in Syracuse, NY, where William eventually received his PhD. They moved to Hawaii where William taught at the University of Hawaii for several years. They then chose to relocate to Francestown, New Hampshire, for its natural beauty, to raise their sons. William became a history professor at Franklin Pierce College, rising to Chairman of the Department, and Rosaly taught philosophy at Nathaniel Hawthorne College. William was also instrumental in starting New Hampshire's first law school, the Franklin Pierce Law Center. William ran for the NH State Legislature, where he served for 18 years, eventually becoming the Deputy Democratic Leader. He served on the Education Committee, and drafted numerous Bills to improve education, and protect the environment, including eliminating the practice of using live animals for science experiments in high schools. He also received one of the only standing ovations, of that session in the legislature, for his witty analysis regarding the proposed State bird of New Hampshire. In 1972, William married Bonnie Allen of Nelson, NH, on Superbowl Sunday. Together they travelled extensively, campaigned, and picnicked on the lake. They resided in both Nelson and Francestown. William loved life, his wife Bonnie of 45 years, sailing, nature, his family, his students and New Hampshire. He lived a fascinating life including assisting Louis Leakey with his dig in Africa for hominid fossils. He danced with Coco Chanel on a transatlantic cruise; he travelled the world and studied human history. He was a pilot, a gentleman and a Renaissance man. He loved horses, dogs and cranky cats. He was always hopeful and optimistic about our future but insistent that we must be good stewards of this beautiful planet. His journey on this planet is over, but his impact will always be felt. We will miss him always. He leaves behind George Riley, PhD., who is a scientist with the National Institutes of Health (Tracy Lee), and Matthew Riley, Esq., who is an attorney with the Department of Homeland Security (Gessika Riley). He has five wonderful grandchildren, Peter (21), Anna (13), Christopher (11), Sarah (5) and James (3), who will miss him always. He also embraced Bonnie's godchildren, Lisa Sieverts, Michael Sieverts, Rosalinda Kahlani and Mary Brown. We are eternally grateful for the loving care he received from numerous individuals including Linda and Sue Kelly, Melissa Davis, Robin Lamy, Joe Anderson, many others, and the staff at Maplewood, who never wavered in their love and support. It has been a long and arduous journey. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 2:00PM at the Union Congregational Church, 33 Concord Street, Peterborough. A reception will follow at 3:00PM at 100 Bass Road, Peterborough.

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