Gilbert Clarence Riles Obituary in Dartmouth at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors

Gilbert Clarence Riles

Passed 3/13/2026

Obituary For Gilbert Clarence Riles

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of the late Gilbert Clarence Riles announces his peaceful passing on March 13th, 2026 with his loving family by his side, at the age of 83.

Born in West Point, Newfoundland Gilbert was the son of the late Edward and Emily (Upwards) Riles.

Dad’s sense of responsibility began early. When he was just 11 years old, he started fishing to help support his family. While most kids his age were still learning about the world, Dad already understood what it meant to step up and do what needed to be done. That work ethic and quiet determination stayed with him for the rest of his life. He never complained — he simply did what was necessary for the people he loved. Dad was shaped by hard work, deep love and the sea.

And above all else, Dad loved his family. The love of his life was our mom, Amy, and losing her was devastating. But Dad would always say that while losing Mom broke his heart, losing his granddaughter Tracey was the hardest loss he ever carried. Tracey was truly the light of his life. Her sudden passing was a heavy burden; one he bore quietly and bravely. Today, we find comfort in knowing that Dad is now reunited with both mom and Tracey — surrounded by the love he missed so deeply.

Dad shared an incredibly special bond with his great‑grandson Raymond. From the day Raymond was born, the two of them became best buddies. Raymond could do no wrong in Dad’s eyes — absolutely none. The love they shared is impossible to put into words. It was pure, joyful, and unconditional. Watching them together was something truly special, and it’s a bond that will always live on in our hearts.

Dad was also very proud of his granddaughter Jillian and his great‑granddaughter Eden. While they didn’t get to spend as much time together as he would have liked, his love for them never wavered. His face would light up the moment he heard their voices, and anytime their names were mentioned, you could see the pride and joy written all over him.

Dad was an amazing carpenter, gifted with his hands and proud of the work he did. He also worked with the Coast Guard for a period, where he made great friends and shared experiences that meant a lot to him. Over the years, Dad did many things — he even drove an ambulance at one point — always ready to help, always willing to step in where he was needed.

His work and travels took him far. He worked in Yellowknife, and his fishing life stretched from British Columbia all the way to Panama, fishing tuna and living the life that suited him best — honest, hardworking, and tied to the water.

The sea was where Dad was happiest. He loved being on the ocean, surrounded by family and friends. When he wasn’t at sea, he found joy at the cottage, another place where he felt most at peace. Many days — and nights — were spent out in the shed with friends. We jokingly called them his “meetings.” Those moments were full of laughter, stories, and quiet companionship — exactly the way Dad liked things.

Dad spent his winters in Nova Scotia with Kim, and his summers at home at the cabin, until the time came when he had to move to Nova Scotia full‑time. No matter where he was, what mattered most to him was being close to family.

Dad didn’t need attention or praise. He had a quiet strength about him — steady, reliable, and kind. If he loved you, you knew it. You felt it in the way he showed up, the way he listened, and the way he spoke about you when you weren’t there.

We will miss him more than words can express. But his legacy lives on — in the sea he loved, in the stories we tell, in the shed where his “meetings” took place, and most of all, in the family he cherished so deeply.

Gilbert leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his daughter Kim (Riles) Campbell and son Terry Riles; granddaughter Jillian (Jaylon Atagoota) Riles; great‑grandson Raymond Campbell; great‑granddaughter Eden Atagoota ; and Chelsea Spicer, who was like a granddaughter to him.

He is also lovingly remembered by his brother and sisters Henry (Yvonne) Riles, Millie Seaward, Julie (Ron) Slade, and Katie King; his brothers‑ and sisters‑in‑law Cecil Stone, Max (Claire) Vautier, Gerald (Debbie) Vautier, and Sybil King; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Gilbert was predeceased by his beloved wife Amy Riles; granddaughter Tracey Campbell; siblings Annie Stone, Mary Robin, and Alex Riles; and brothers‑ and sisters‑in‑law Max Seaward, Clarence Robins, George King, Hubert Vautier, Albert Bond, Walter (Edna) Vautier, Ches (Lois) Vautier, Carrie (Max) Stone, Kathleen (Jack) LeRiche, Mildred (Jack) King, Gerald Wayne King, and Loretta Vautier.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gilbert’s care team at 9 centre Northwood, Halifax, especially Sunshine (Arlene), for their compassion and dedication.

He was immensely proud of the accomplishments of Terry and Kim; what some called bragging was simply his way of showing love and pride.

Gilbert touched the lives of many — family, friends, and all who knew him. His support was unwavering, and his presence will be deeply missed.

As per Gilbert’s wishes cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life will be take place later in Newfoundland.

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Condolences

03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Tina Carter So very sorry for your loss. He was a lovely man. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Marilyn and Wayne Dominie So sorry for your loss. Our condolences.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Rowena Strickland Very sorry for the loss or your dad. Hugs
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Roberta Strickland Your mom and dad was like my second parents, not sure if you remember I lived with you guys for 3 years while I went to school in Port Aux Basques. Deepest condolences.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Margaret Taylor Sorry for your loss. Condolences
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Randolph Gerald Vautier Sorry for your loss cuz hugs to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Gary Maugher So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Harry Vautier So sorry for your loss.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Bruce Meade My deepest condolences to you and your family. You two had the honor of being raised by two beautiful souls. Rest in peace.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Julie Ingram Deepest condolences to you and all your families Your dad was such a sweet man and always took time to speak to me when I worked with the town to ask how I was doing. Hugs to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Lisa Dawn Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Deon and I are sending our deepest condolences and sympathy to you all during this difficult time.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Tony Anderson Condolences to you and your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Denise Carroll Ingram So sorry for your loss. Uncle Gilb will forever hold a place in my heart. Aunt Amy was waiting for him with open arms.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Theresa and Don Skinner So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Sending our condolences.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Sheila Vautier-Keeping Sorry for your loss. Hugs to you all. He was a great man, both your dad and your mom meant a lot to me, they were like my mom and dad.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Paul Spencer So sorry to hear. He was a great neighbor to us for many years. Our thoughts are with you.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Ron and Joanne Battiste We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Sincere condolences to you, Kim and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Max Farrell Sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and the rest of the family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Melissa Herridge So sorry for your loss. Very fond memories of your dad when I was a kid at the cabin. Hugs to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Darlene Osmond So sorry to hear of your dads passing. Condolences to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Sonya Hodder So sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and family. Hugs to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Shirley Bennett Leamon Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to the family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Marlene Seymour So sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Monford A. Organ Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and all your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Merna Vautier Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Myself and Lendy sends our sincere condolences to you and your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Cathy Edmunds So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. sending love to you both.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Amy Bennett So sorry for your families loss. I will always remember him and his teasing ways. Rest in peace Gilby.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Dave Standing My deepest condolences. Dave and Gerladine
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Marlene Chant So sorry for the loss of your dad. I am thinking of you and the rest of the family at this difficult time. Just hold onto your memories or your dad... take care of yourself and I hope to see you all later in the year when you get home. Love cuz
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Pauline Leriche Condolences to you and your family. May you all find peace during this difficult time. God Bless.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Ross Dunford Sorry to hear this. Condolences to Terry, Kim and family. He sure is missed here at Coopers Brook.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Amanda and Troy Kettle So sorry for your loss, Uncle Gilb was such a sweet man who will be missed by all. Thinking of you, hugs to all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Corey Spicer Sorry for your loss Terry and Kim. Your dad was one in a million and was a big part of our family, especially to Chelsea. Take care.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Debbie Hatcher Vautier So sorry for your loss, thinking of Terry and Kim. Hugs to all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Delores Chant Vautier So sorry for your loss. Condolences to Terry, Kim and families. Big hugs to you all.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Charlaine Vautier So sorry for your loss Kim and Terry. Your dad always meant so much to our family. XO
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Gladys Anderson Sorry to hear of your dads passing. Hugs to you and your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Gary Harvey Sorry to hear of your dads passing. Condolences to the family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

David Pardy Sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing, really got to know him and became good friends when we both lived in Cooper's Brook. Condolences to Terry, Kim and your families.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Lisa and Duane Pike Sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing. Your mom and dad were such lovely people. Our sincere condolences to Terry and Kim.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Paula Kettle Osmond So sorry for your loss, condolences to your family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Geraldine Billard Sorry to hear about your dad. Condolences to Terry, Kim and your families.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Debbie Frampton My heartfelt sympathy to Terry and Kim during this difficult time.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Cynthia Childs So sorry for your loss. Condolences to Terry, Kim and family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Joan Vautier So sorry and sad for your loss. Hugs to Terry, Kim and family.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Margo Bennett Butler A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man a life well lived my condolences to Kim, Terry and family. I've got some great memories of spending time with Amy and Gilb. Rest in peace.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Margo Bennett Butler I remember so well when we were renovating our kitchen back home, ran into some issue with the carpenter that we had and we knew nothing before your dad stepped up to the plate and said I can get it done for you and he finished our cupboards and they were beautiful both your parents were wonderful people. Thinking of you.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Marlene Haist I always enjoyed seeing both your parents at the trailer. When we visited Aunt Elsie and Uncle Harold at their trailer we always would visit your parents. Both your mom and dad were very fun to be around. They both always had smiles on their face.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Bruce Meade I remember when your dad drove the ambulance. My stepmom had an ulcer caused by arthritis medication and one day it ruptured. There was no wasting time trying to get a stretcher in the house. Gilb walked in the house, went upstairs, picked her up in his arms and was out to the ambulance in about a minute. Those extra few minutes probably saved her life that day.
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Thinking of Terry, Kim, Jillian and family. Uncle Gilb was a wonderful uncle; we have so many fond memories of time spent with him and Aunt Amy when we were children. He visited us a few years ago at our home in the valley. Beautiful tribute. Sending love to you all. Jeanette Lomond
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

Very sorry for your families loss, Gilb was a great man, many conversations with him over the years either up the country or when I was working at Woodwards and he was driving for us. Nicest man you would ever want to meet. Sending our condolences to you all. Brian Button
03/17/2026

Kim Campbell

There weren't many people like him. He was so lovable, I absolutely loved his visits at the garage. He made his rounds to say hi to everyone before he left, not before I got my hug and kiss and an (I love you my girl) from him though. I will miss our chats Uncle Gilb, give Aunt Amy a hug and kiss for me. Denise Carroll Ingram.
03/16/2026

Mary Slade

I spent a night at the cabin with uncle Gilb and his sisters. He made us a cake. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Condolences to Kim, Terry and family. Lots of Love Mary Slade.

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