Lisa, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's death. I know we haven't seen each other for a long time, but I will always have fond memories of you and your parents at our Alpha Chi parties. Our parents definitely define who we are and you should be very proud of all he did in his life and how he helped you and your family become such special people. My thoughts are prayers are with you. I know you are very sad, but if I remember Tom right, he would want you to keep smiling.
Love, Jolene INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Juergens) Niehaus

Jolene Niehaus
July 21, 2011

Sara,
I was saddened to hear the news today of your father's passing. My father passed away on April 30th and I still frequent the Cedar Memorial Cemetery to pay my respects. While I know that you will miss your father greatly I know that you will find strength in knowing that his soul rests now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His memories will last in your heart for a lifetime and hold fast in knowing that this is only a temporary separation for true believers. I will hold you and your three children and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. Tim Ruppert

Timothy Ruppert
July 22, 2011

Riley family, our condolences are with you during this difficult. I remember my parents spoke highly of Tom, Nan and their children when I was growing up. Then I met Lisa and enjoyed getting to know the rest of the Riley clan. Tom instilled his values in those he touched and he will not be forgotten. Fond memories and pictures last a life time and help ease the pain of losing a loved one. I will always remember the 4th of July parties at Lakeside as Tom wanted to ensure we all had a good time. God bless.

Marilyn Benesh
July 22, 2011

Tom Riley was a wonderful man. I particularly loved his incredible dedication and enthusiasm in every project he was involved. I remember helping him with his campaign in the 60s and almost 50-years later, having him sign the book, that was given to campaign volunteers. A fascinating man, Tom & Nan stopped by Camp Courageous one day to discuss what would become, "Riley Court," a beautiful outdoor fenced in concrete area that is used for basketball, games, and dances. Tom was on his way to Cuba to represent a client.
Later came the call, "Charlie, can you use a train there at the camp." The train turned into the activity everyone wants to do when they come to camp. Thousands of campers with special needs have thrilled in the excitement of riding the train!
And no one could write a letter like Tom.
Tom has left a beautiful legacy through his family, friends, and all those he touched in so many different ways. He will be dearly missed.... Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Nan and Tom's entire family and friends.

Charlie Becker
July 22, 2011

Dear Riley Family, My condolences to you all in the loss of Mr. Riley. I have many memories of working at TRLF as my first "real job" out of high school. "TR" was a great man who contributed greatly to our society. May God keep you in His care, Ted, Karen, Brianna and Bryce

Karen INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Cherryholmes) Kirby
July 22, 2011

I'm sorry to learn of Tom's death. I admired him much and always enjoyed our contacts--both personal and professional. A remarkable career! Best wishes to his family. Pat

J Patrick White
July 22, 2011

Pam -- I remember your father from our days as pages and the trips to Cedar Rapids. Your father was always so full of energy. I am sorry for your loss. Margaret

Margaret INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Askew) Johnson
July 22, 2011

RIP Mr.Riley and thanks for all you did for the city of Cr and your law firm

Bev Coffin
July 22, 2011

Dear Nan and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Tom's death. He was a terrific person and will be missed by many. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry and Patricia Himes
July 22, 2011

Sara, Heather, Marti and the entire Riley family,
My heart aches for all of you at the lose of your father, grandfather and husband. I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to be with us in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories and our souls. All of you will find comfort in knowing that your lives have been enriched by having shared his love.
I am sending my love and huge hugs to your entire family.
God Bless.
Jean

Jean Munson
July 22, 2011

Dear Riley Family...I was saddened to learn the news today about Mr. Riley, a/k/a "TR." I have very fond memories of working as a young secretary for the Riley Firm...was always very proud and honored to be a part of the team.

My children have appreciated the art/busts that your family so willingly donated to the CR Art Museum...TY!

Our condolences are with you and yours at this very sad time.

Blessings,

Donna, Don, Miss Spenser, Chase, Zachary and Grayson Hardin

Don and Donna Hardin & Family
July 22, 2011

My prayers and most sincere condolences go out for Nan and the rest of Tom's family. He was a good man and I remember him as always having time for the 'little guy'. If one greeted Tom in any venue, he always had a smile a greeting and a kind word. He and Nan were strong supporters of the Arts in Cedar Rapids and I often saw them at CRCT and later TCR. He will be missed. The following is something that I have written and I hope it brings some encouragement to Tom's Family:
The Strongest Man
INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (By Michael M. Kelly Sr.)

There never was a man so strong,
That the earth trembled as he walked about,
There never was a man so strong,
That the mountains shook when he would shout,
There never was a man so strong,
That the oceans would overflow if he wept,
But there was a man so strong,
That all that knew him will not forget.

Michael M Kelly Sr
July 23, 2011

It's been many years since Tom helped a couple college kids learn the ropes getting involved in politics in the Young Republicans of Linn County. He was always willing to help and mentor; such a remarkable man.

And Nan, how we at the old Sun Mart on Mt Vernon Road used to look forward to seeing you every Sunday afternoon at about 5:30pm. We'd never close the register until one of our nicest customers had finished shopping.

Bruce Thiher
July 23, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the many warm memories sustain you during the difficult time.

KC Bonham
July 23, 2011

Dear Nan, Pam, Marti and family,
I feel blessed to have known Tom and Nan for so many years.
Carl and I went once and watched Tom during a trial. It happened to be a day that Tom turned the case upside down with the evidence he produced, which included huge photos brought in just at the right moment. It was amazing to watch and we have never forgotten the experience.
I was so glad when you brought Lakeside back to it's original splendor, after watching it go downhill for so many years.
Our sympathy goes out to your entire family.
Dana and Carl Schultz

Dana Schubert Schultz
July 23, 2011

Dear Nan and family,
I send my condolences for your tremendous loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. I admired him for his commitment to family,community,the state of Iowa and his principles no matter his affiliation.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Hank Ryan

william ryan III
July 23, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Riley's death. He was truly a great man and I learned from him! He put family first and you were all his pride and joy.

Stay strong. Paige Brown & family.

Paige A Brown-Orr
July 24, 2011

Dear Lisa and the rest of your wonderful family: INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (including the office family of Todd, Hugh, etc) I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, husband and friend. Although I was hired 25+ years ago as a medical paralegal, I will recall my days there with great fondness; especially the kindness and mentorship that he showed to me.

He always challenged those he worked with to be their best & because of his intensity and concern, he made us all better people.

Our heartfelt sympathies to all of you.
Love, Maria & Pat Steele

Maria Steele
July 25, 2011

I'm deeply sorry to hear about Tom's passing , he was a great man and friend .All I can say is Thank you Tom

Evan Paul
July 25, 2011

To all the Riley's,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Tom . . . he was tremedious person that I admired. I always enjoyed your family . . . ski trips to Keystone and Fourth of July's at Lakeside. I'm thinking about you and Tom and feel fortunate to have known a you all.

Sig Bjornson
July 25, 2011

My condolances to the entire Riley family.
JR Kacena

jr kacena
July 25, 2011

Parker, Tyler, Jon, Hannah, Tom, Joey, and Jack,
I was sad to read of your grandfather's passing. What a wonderful written tribute to him. I know he loved those family trips you shared, because you kids shared your fun memories with me. Sinceramente y un abrazo grande. Sra. Johansen

Sra. Johansen
July 25, 2011

Dear Nan and family: I am so very sorry to hear that Tom has passed. He and I have been friends for many years. He was indeed a champion. God Bless.

britt

Britt Johnson
July 25, 2011

The Poohl family is very sorry for your loss. Your father will be greatly missed. My family will not forget the way he took on the case for the death of my Aunt Patricia who passed away from Toxic Shock Syndrome back in 1988. He will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved him everyone he was close to. Our sincere condolences the Poohl family.

Jack Poohl
July 26, 2011

I will always remember Toms good humer and giving advice in a fatherly manner he was one of those rare people you see that just commanded attention when he entered a room. I am proud I knew him and worked for him My family would like to extend our condolences to the family of Tom

Darold & Angela Ruley Family
July 26, 2011

We love you and our prayers are with you all God Bless

Jeffrey Thirnbeck
July 28, 2011

Dear Riley Family:

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Riley's death. I echo the other comments left here about what a great mentor and teacher he was and his words stick with me to this day. I can't think of Mr. Riley without remembering what a wonderful husband and father he was. It was very evident how much he loved and respected Mrs. Riley and enjoyed spending time with his children. It was a privilege to work for such a passionate and gifted attorney and I'm glad his legacy continues on through the law firm he founded.

Sincerely,
Roberta INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Spoenemann) Lyle

Roberta Lyle
July 28, 2011

Sara and Peter, I was saddened to hear of the death of your father. He spent some time in Clayton when he was running for Congress. My brother was running for county attorney and we were often at the same events. He had a great smile. They were fun days. I know you will miss him very much.

Kathleen Neylan
July 28, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Hal Gantt
August 12, 2011

Dear Riley Family,

So very sorry to hear about Mr. Riley. Integrity and critical thinking were two of his many fine attributes.

Mary Kaiser
May 3, 2013