Obituary of Angus Gorden Riley

Age 77, of Three Mile Plains, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Born at home on Pleasant Street, Newport Station on April 21, 1947, he was a son of the late Ronald and Helen (Caldwell) Riley. Growing up with brothers made for a lot of mischief and fun.

One of Angus’s favorite memories to share was when he was schoolboy and had just learned to whistle. He had been whistling in class and the teacher had spoken to him a few times to stop. Which of course, he did not. Later in high school he would fashion a pink shirt to school, which earned him the nick name Pink Panther for years to come.

Angus was a member of the Canadian Navy for a time and later went back to school to study Social Work. After graduation in 1973, he would make this his career for 30 years. He worked at Family Services in Windsor, in child protection and foster care placements, along with adoptions. Later he would move into community services for the province of Nova Scotia, continuing the family services work. Adult services was the next step in his career. He was the Supervisor of the Job Finders Club for Hants County, member of the board of directors for Hants Rural Housing, a Commissioner of Oaths for the Supreme Court of Canada, Occupational Health and Safety and shop steward for the NSGEU. He was also a leader of the boy scouts and coached jr. baseball in St. Croix. He found his calling in helping people. In 2003 he retired and continued to advocate for anyone that needed assistance. All of this was done from the heart. He made some great memories and lasting friendships during his career. Angus was a force of nature, intelligent and strong minded. He loved to debate many topics and was an avid reader of many subjects. However, most of all, he loved his family.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Cecilia “Frances” (Williams). They enjoyed going to dances and spending time at their cottage on Falls Lake. Together they built a future and raised two children, Mark (Tania), Mt. Uniacke and Andrea (Sheldon) Connors, St. Croix. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren, Mark’s children, Brealyn (Jordon) Vadala, Kyle (Brooke) and Lucas Riley; Andrea’s children, Carlie-Ann (Elijah) Ells; Eric and Julia Connors; great-grandchildren, Brealyn’s son’s, Henry and Oliver, Kyle’s daughter, Mylah and Carlie-Ann’s daughter, Amelia; as well as many extended family members.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest brother, Dwight and youngest brother, Larry; brother-in-law, Lawrence Williams; sister-in-law, Wanda Riley; nephews, Gregory and Kevin; great-nephews, Steven Chapman and Zackery Hensbee; great-great niece, Natalie Harnish; father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Etta Williams as well as his beloved cat, Booker.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). An Open House Celebration of Life will be held 1-3 p.m., Friday, March 14 in the Three Mile Plains Community Hall, 4474 Hwy. 1, Three Mile Plains. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Angus may be made to the Three Mile Plains Community Hall, 4474 Highway 1, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0. To leave a message of condolence for the family visit: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me.
Black as the pit from pole to pole.
I thank whatever gods may be.
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance.
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance.
My head is bloody, but not unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears.
Looms but the Honor of the shade.
And let the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate.
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.