Chris Leon Riley

Chris was born on September 24, 1962, in Bountiful, Utah, the only child to Frances Marian Moss (Marian M. Frances) and Leon B. Riley (deceased).  He was a wonderful gift to our family all his life.  Sadly he died on July 5, 2018.  He graduated from Viewmont High School in 1980 and left the next day for Hawaii.  He attended the University of Hawaii for three and a half years majoring in hotel management and Japanese.  He worked for several years in the restaurant business and left the last semester of the University to take a position as a restaurant manager in Los Angeles and later in San Diego.  He also had a two month internship in a prestigious hotel in New York City.

His health issues greatly changed his career to return to Utah and work at Salt lake Community College.  Later as the health problems increased, he obtained a massage license in Utah and later in Hawaii and was able to help many people with serious health issues and various therapies including cranial sacral work.  He was able to help patients with things like autism and nerve damage.  He opened and operated his own spa in Oahu and with six employees enjoyed a large clientele.  Due to the downturn of the economy which seemed much higher in an already expensive cost of living in Hawaii, he returned to Utah.  He then taught part time at SLCC and part time as a masseuse.

During his life, he had many talents in landscaping/designing yards as well as working the soil for friends and relatives.  He was able to travel to many countries in Europe in his sophomore year, Brazil, and later a three week trip to Scotland.  He also loved drafting and keeping up with his Japanese language.  For the last few years he was learning Sanskrit while studying various religions and spiritual paths, and practicing yoga.  He had a great love for animals and had two rescue dogs.

He is survived by his mother and will be greatly missed.  We had a great relationship in all those years.  In lieu of flowers you might consider rescuing an animal or contributing to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ridgewood of Maple Hills Condominiums  Club House 1374 Ridgewood Lane, Bountiful, Utah for family and close friends.