In Memoriam: Craig Riley, Former President of the RCAW Board and Industry Leader

It is with great sadness that we share the information on the passing of Craig Riley, former President of the Board of the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington and industry leader.   

Craig worked in the roofing industry in the Seattle area for many years. Craig was hired to be Vice President of Pacific Rainier Roofing in Seattle in 1994. His first major project was to oversee the reroofing of the Seattle Kingdome, a multi-million dollar project requiring many engineering feats with men working in extreme conditions. The project took months to complete with many roofing technicians working around the clock through inclement weather and under custom engineered tents to get the job done. The roof surface covered nearly 8 acres of roofing.

Craig worked hard with the RCAW on issues important to the industry. He first served RCAW as a Vice President, and then in 1998-1999 as President. Craig had an ability to lead through his belief in others and in seeing the potential for growth in every situation.

His efforts in uniting the low slope and steep slope entities of the roofing industry were accomplished by focusing on the areas of mutual concern. His great enthusiasm for the betterment of the Association spread throughout the Board of Directors and into the membership. Craig loved to play golf. One of his favorite jobs was working on the planning of the Annual RCAW Golf Tournament.

Craig was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma in 2010. Ocular Melanoma is a rare cancer affecting about 3 in a million people. At this point in time there is no cure in sight for this type of cancer. Craig bravely fought other types of cancers as well, including bladder cancer, and various skin cancers. Craig Riley passed away on February 11, 2020

Craig was a brave and honorable man. His life touched many with his kindness, wit, wisdom and ability to see both sides of an issue. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Donations in his memory can be made to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation.

Learn more about the RCAW in their RCS directory.