Boatman, architect remembered for contributions

Danette Goulet

LIDO ISLE - He had an innovative eye for design, a steady hand at the

helm and a memory for jokes.

After half a century of living on Lido Isle, Herbert E. Riley’s

passing on April 9 at the age of 87 left many feeling the loss.

“Herb was just a great guy,” said George Bissell, his friend and

business partner of many years. “When I first moved onto the island he

was the first person who came around to introduce himself.”

All those for whom Riley designed a home or office and anyone who took

a spin on his yacht while he entertained them with an endless supply of

jokes will miss him, Bissell said.

“He loved people,” added Bernice Riley, his wife of 52 years, who

cared for him during the 10-year battle with dementia, caused by strokes,

that finally claimed him. “He was very gregarious. Long ago he had a

wonderful repertoire of puns and jokes.”

Riley still has an impact on many who travel through Newport Beach and

Orange County, whether they realize it or not.

Not only were some of his early designs done for the Irvine Co., but

he also had a hand in such monumental designs as Michelson Plaza and John

Wayne Airport.

The design at John Wayne, which uses self-circulating water in the

metal beams to prevent weakening in a fire, won a steel industry award

and was the first of its kind ever built.

In 1960, Riley and Bissell opened Riley and Bissell Associates in

Newport Beach. Besides having offices in three states, the firm swept the

Southern California Architects and Engineers Forum Design competition in

1971.

In 1973 Riley retired from the business to tackle other ventures,

something his wife said he did whenever a business became more than a

small operation.

“He liked having a small architecture office -- him and a couple more

guys -- because then he could participate actively in the design,” she

said. “But his last office with Bissell was quite big. Every time his

office got too big he retired. He said when it got too big, he became a

business man and the fellow in the back had the fun drawing.”

In the yachting world Riley also knew great acclaim, winning virtually

every ocean race in Southern California, his wife said, including wining

the overall trophy in the Newport to Ensenada Race twice.

His contributions to his community in Newport Beach are also lengthy.

He served on the city building code board of appeals for more than 20

years, Bernice Riley said.

Riley also served as a commodore of the Lido Isle Yacht Club and

secretary of the Southern California Yacht Racing Union.

He was a veteran of World War II, retiring as an officer.

Riley is survived by his wife Bernice; their three children, Leonard

Riley, Kathleen Pitcher and Davis Riley; and three grandchildren.

Riley will be buried at sea in a private ceremony.