Derek Riley

Derek Riley came from a distinguished family: his grandfather, Robert Riley, was a prominent businessman who founded several important insurance and financial firms in the Winnipeg area from the 1880s on. Riley’s father, Conrad Stephenson Riley, carried on the family business, and also won the eights competition at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1910, which, among other feats, earned him induction into the Canadian and Manitoba Sports Halls of Fame. Derek intended to follow his family in both pursuits but, after entering the University of Manitoba in 1939 to pursue a business degree, his life was interrupted by World War II, during which time he served in the Royal Canadian Navy.

Riley graduated from his program following the conflict and, while involving himself in the business world, joined the Winnipeg Rowing Club. He won numerous titles, but perhaps his greatest victory came at the trials for the 1952 Summer Olympics, where he Bobby Williams earned the right to represent Canada in the double sculls at the Games. In Helsinki, they came in last in both the opening round and the repêchage and were therefore eliminated.

Riley had a lucrative career in business, but rowing remained a passion for most of his life as well. He continued to compete into his 40s and took part in Masters Championships until he was 75, even winning a title in 1985. He was also the head administrator for the rowing events when the Pan American Games came to Winnipeg in 1967. Additionally, he played squash, skied, and ran marathons into his advanced age, and was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. For his philanthropic work, he was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2013 and given an honorary doctorate of laws from his alma mater in 2017.