Robert Wesley 'Punk' Riley

KILA — Former Polson resident Robert Wesley "Punk" Riley, 82, died peacefully at his home in Kila, surrounded by his family on May 31, 2006. Punk is once again chasing wild horses and riding "the good horses" with his two brothers, Cliff and Will, his daughter Gloria and a few others of the "old gang." Punk was born Robert Wesley Riley to Fredrick and Myrtle (Stryker) Riley in Ismay on May 30, 1924.

He attended schools and graduated from Terry in 1942. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the 37th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. When he left for the service he stepped directly from his horse onto the train leaving his new saddle and horse for his brother Cliff. He served in the Pacific and was involved in beachheads in the Philippines.

After his tour with the Army, he returned to Terry and married Leona Schlinker on June 25, 1948. They lived throughout Montana with a short stay in California. They raised five children together. Punk wore many hats to provide for his family from construction work, cattle ranching, sheep ranching, farming to outfitting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, where he specialized in grizzly bears and mountain goats. He and Leona divorced in 1975.

Punk married Meriel (Mel) Barnes Fishback on Dec. 15, 1983. They spent much of their time packing into various wildernesses throughout the west and raising thoroughbred horses, quarter horses and miniature horses.

They lived in the Flathead in Marion and Kila until they moved to Polson in 1993. Mel died at their home in Polson in 1996.

Punk brought many smiles to people with his stories of the "old days" and "the good horses" of his life. There was a story for every occasion in his life. He lived his life to the fullest and never looked back.

Punk enjoyed helping neighbor kids and friends of his children with various horse activities. He was a founding member of the Smith Valley Saddle Club, Kalispell Turf Club and was one of the leaders for Flathead County for the Cattle Drive of '89. His life passion was horses from breeding, raising, to training in all aspects of the horse world from Rodeo, o-mok-see, racing, to gathering cattle in the fall, but his true love was packing into the back country, especially the Bob Marshall.

Punk was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Myrtle, sister Gladys, brothers Cliff and Will, and daughter Gloria Schroder.

Surviving are his children and their spouses, Wesley "Buster" and Sheila Riley of Anaconda, Bob and Bev Riley of San Antonio, Sandie and Rick Bousquet of Seeley Lake, and Marcie and Tab Young of Kila; grandchildren, Aaron Schroder, Jason Bousquet, Jessie Bousquet, Melinda Riley, Brian Riley, Kim Piske, Kelly Grinolds; two great-grandchildren, Adam and Robert Schroder; sister in law Agnes Riley and nephew Russell Riley.

A memorial service to celebrate Punk's life will be planned for a later date.