Riley James Peterson

“Good Morning!”, in the sweetest voice ever is what our Riley would say no matter what time of day it was. The name Riley means Courageous and Valiant, and that describes our Riley perfectly! Our precious Riley graduated from his mortal life on February 17, 2025 due to a seizure. Riley’s final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through bone, cornea, heart valves and tissue donation. 

Riley James Peterson was born to James & Kristy Peterson at Fort Carson, CO on September 24, 1995. From birth Riley struggled with progressing normally and throughout the years Riley had hundreds of precious staff members that helped him live an extremely full life. Riley imparted lessons of how to love to all he met and significantly changed the trajectory of the lives of many individuals. Riley was a sure gift from a loving Heavenly Father that knew Riley was the only person that could change our hearts.

Riley attended Layton Children’s Center, East Layton Elementary, E.G. King Elementary, North Park Elementary and Roy Elementary. During his very difficult teenage years he attended Sunset Junior High and East High School in Salt Lake City. 

Over his life span Riley suffered with many brain related issues and in 2010, at age 15 he moved into Bungalow Care Facility, in Salt Lake City where he resided for 8.5 years. In 2019, he moved to Hidden Hollow Care Center in Orem. In 2022, Riley moved into the care of August Sun and attended day program in Clearfield and resided in Roy and 4 months ago moved into the most perfect home in West Point. 

Riley is preceded in death by his great-grandparents and his uncle Matthew. Riley is survived by his parents, his sister Gwenee and his brother Bryken. G-pa Jim, Grandma Angel, Grandpa Val Taco, Grandma Honey. Aunts and Uncles, Sherri (Joey), Jackie (Mike), Mindy (Leonard), Sally (Wes), Don (Cozette), Lisa, Jodie (Brooks) and 22 cousins, 15 cousins once removed and 3 on the way. Many great-aunts and great-uncles. Riley is also survived by his peers at day program, two roommates that love him like brothers, “my friends” and hundreds of staff throughout the years whom he adopted into his family that hold a special place in his and our hearts. 

Riley had a large personality and was full of quirks. He was the best comedian and jokester. He loved laughing, fake coughing and sneezing. He loved watching out the window or on the driveway for who was coming to get him. He just knew someone was coming soon. He loved going on car rides, listening to country music (Garth – Garth Brooks), Eating carbs, filling his pockets with stuff, looking and pointing at his books, drawing his pictures for you on paper and with sidewalk chalk. Riley loved vacuuming, trains, Fire trucks, Bambulances, Trooper Cars, Garage Doors and of course his favorite store the DI, where he was determined to find a hidden gem. 

Riley took to heart the song, “Two Pina Coladas” as he always had a drink in his hand and two more drinks in his pockets. Everywhere he went, Riley always had to have his backpack, picture bag, lunch box and wallet. He would always ask for more dollars to put in his wallet. Riley could not walk past a piece of trash without having to bend over to pick it up and throw it in the trash, no matter how much it hurt to do so. Riley’s OCD would not allow him to go anywhere without first making sure that all the doors and cupboards were closed, and things were in the proper place. Riley had the funniest sense of fashion, he loved wearing his hat slightly up and sideways, sunglasses on his forehead, “his face” (covid masks) pulled under his chin, shirts on backwards and shoes on the wrong feet. He always had to have his coat or jacket on even in the summer because, “ohpp it’s cold outside”. 

Riley was the perfect gentleman and had to walk you to your car, open the door for you and turn on the headlights. He loved getting attention! He would frequently and repeatedly say your name, phrases or swear words to get a reaction. We hope that if you received a nickname from Riley you will always cherish it. Who could not love his, “the train goes down”, “Shut Up Buck-a-lo”, and of course “Nope, not Today”! Riley would be the loudest voice in the room (or the car) and now our ears are left with quietness. 

Riley loved animals, babies and little kids. Riley was the baby whisperer meaning he had this gift that he could tell if a pregnant woman was going to have a baby boy or girl. The veil was very thin for Riley, and he always had a way of helping you to see the good in yourself, even when you couldn’t see it. 

Riley suffered from many difficult physical and mental disabilities throughout his time on Earth and he handled those challenges courageously and valiantly. He brought love and moments of frustration because of his stubbornness to everyone who had the privilege to love him. It was a privilege to know and love Riley! Riley was quick to forgive and always forgot any mistake that occurred while you were with him. Riley was the master teacher of love, patience and forgiveness.

Riley’s impact on this Earth was great and we know he is continuing his life mission on the other side. We know we will see him again and he will be whole. He no longer has any disabilities, and he is out of pain. As his family, we want to thank all those who allowed Riley in their hearts and to help care for him throughout his life. We also appreciate the first responders and medical teams that assisted him throughout his 29 years and especially during his final moments at Holy Cross Hospital in Layton. We needed the Riley community! If you are not sure that life is eternal, we know Riley would challenge you to find out for yourself. Riley’s life purpose was to help bring you to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and helping you to know and feel that life extends beyond the grave. Riley did just that Valiantly and Courageously! Until we meet again RyRy – We love you!

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Clinton 3rd Ward, 2223 North 1000 West. The family will meet with friends Friday, February 21st from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. 

Interment, Clinton City Cemetery. 

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