Riley E. W. Kowalsky

 Riley was the guy with the great sense of humour and the most contagious laugh. He was the guy you could always count on if you needed a helping hand. He was quick-witted and able to find the humour in anything.  

Riley grew up in MacGregor, Manitoba, going on to earn a criminology degree from the University of Winnipeg before moving to Alberta to work on the oilfields. Riley loved Calgary, and made many lifelong friends there. He bought his first home in Calgary and spent his time hiking, paddleboarding, camping, and surfing. He loved to learn and was particularly fascinated with astronomy and physics. Riley was a great cook, often making meals for friends and family. He was dedicated to the gym and body building, and had a big soft spot for animals. Special pets included Spooks, Bougie, Yogi, Max, and a special cat named Ernie.  

Riley spent his last summer in Manitoba with family and working with his brother Tyler’s electrical company. A car accident in August left him with a serious spinal injury. Despite this setback, he enrolled in an electrical engineering program and was determined to move back to Calgary. The day before his flight he sadly passed away from a complication with his injury. 

Left to cherish his memory are his twin brother Tyler and sister Dana. His father Walter, mother Norma (Rick), aunts, uncles and special cousins Justin (Janelle) and Crystal (Andrew). Riley had a special relationship with his Grandma Monica Johnson, and she will treasure their time spent together. Riley was predeceased by his Grandpa Victor Johnson or affectionately known as "Farm Grandpa".  Riley loved  his grandparents and whether it was the farm or Riverton,  it was his second home. Many happy childhood memories were made through the love of his grandparents. He was also predeceased by his Kowalsky Grandparents (2007 & 2008) with whom he had a very special bond. They were always checking the map to see what oil rig and town Riley was working in. He was so loved and Grandma and Grandpa K were so proud of him. 

“Never get lost, just change where you want to go”.  

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family service is planned at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stars Air Ambulance by sending your donations to Stars Foundation in Manitoba, c/o Stars Donor Care Team, 570 - 1441 Aviation PK NE, Calgary AB, T2E 9Z9, or by visiting www.stars.ca. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Riley E. W. Kowalsky, please visit our floral store.