RILEY SR, Benson Riley Sr.

With great sadness we announce that Benson ‘Jug’ ‘Pops’ ‘Papa’ Riley Sr., a member of Walpole Island First Nation travelled peacefully to join his ancestors on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 surrounded by his family at the age of 77. He will be remembered as a loving father to his children Suzanne Riley, Marlo Riley, Leslie, Benson Riley Jr., Geoffrey Riley (Taunya), Zachary Riley and the late Joshua George. Fondly thought of by his children’s mother and good friend Barb. He is a cherished grandfather of 27 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Predeceased by his granddaughter Danielle, his parents, Harold and Marie Riley and his siblings Marietta, Shirley, Hugh, Milford, Virginia and Rosemarie. He is dearly loved by his surviving sister Beverly ‘Kitsy’ Wrightman. Many from the community will remember Jug from his love of all sports and activities including Euchre, Darts, Curling, Golf, Baseball as well as being the first Machine Shop Teacher at Walpole Island and being inducted into the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame.
Family and friends are invited to gather for community visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Monday, March 2 from 5-8pm. His funeral will be held at the Walpole Island Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 1pm. Burial at Highbanks Cemetery to follow. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca