Riley McConnell, 20

Riley Robert Lee McConnell, 20, born Feb. 19, 2005, passed far too soon and unexpectedly on June 14, 2025.

Riley was born in Kalispell and grew up here locally. He spent much of his time surrounded by close friends and family. Childhood was spent riding bikes, learning to ride four-wheelers, riding the lawnmower, playing football, and learning Karate — earning his purple belt at eight years old. He had a deep love for the outdoors — fishing, camping and hiking with his favored companion, Zeus. Many hours were spent playing folf with his friends. He enjoyed cars and long drives to anywhere. Many wonderful memories were made during family camp trips through the years. He learned how to split firewood, build a campfire and play Backgammon from his grandpa on several of those camp trips. He loved the water, swimming, snorkeling, and lots of kayaking with his Auntie.

Riley loved being a big brother to his little sister, Adalyn and always said she was his baby when she was born. He delighted in teasing her and getting her goat! True to this, every year for her birthday, he would give her a banana as a gift. She didn't always delight in these shenanigans, but she will have lots of great memories because of them. He also spent many hours talking with his older sister, Kaylee, sharing woes and delights since she moved so far away. Both giving and getting sisterly/brotherly advice from each other.

He had a boundless charisma that made him instantly likable. Riley always saw the best in people, and he made lifelong friends and would protect them even when it was not in his best interest. His kind heart and ability to connect with people from all walks of life left a lasting impression. For all his friends, our family asks that you please take to heart his example and make different choices so your families and loved ones will not have to suffer such heartbreaking loss.

Riley is survived by his parents, Evermay and Anthony Mitchell; older sister, Kaylee Huffman, younger sister, Adalyn; maternal grandparents, Karen and Derek Dalton, and Bishop William Harrison Jr.; fraternal grandparents, Bradd and Marsha McConnell, Eileen McConnell; Aunt Moria Ackroyd, Uncle Ary Dalton and cousins, Cait and Alan Sappington, Rhoday and Calvin Fetveit, Coen Dalton and Devin Durbin.

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Josephine and William Rhodes, Dennis and Carol Mika, Karen and Jerry McConnell, Aunt Kourtney McConnell and Uncle Bishop William Harrison III.

A memorial send-off for Riley will be held on Saturday, July 5, from 11-3 p.m. at the Lawrence Park Pavilion.

Riley "We love you bunches, to the moon, forever"