William Riehl Obituary

Still in shock over here in the UK. Very proud to have had Bill as my mentor at Landmark. A born educator and friend. Hope you all find peace and comfort in the certainty of god's kingdom where our loved ones await JJ

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Love and prayers to Pat, Alex, and Spencer in your time of sadness. My heart breaks with you and for you. I recently saw a Facebook post that said, "It's amazing the number of great people who are in my life because of MUSIC!" Absolutely true!!! And now I have to say good-bye--for now--to one of them..Bill Riehl. I've had the pleasure of singing with Bill in Masterworks Chorale and singing under his direction in M'Aiken Music. But my fondest memory will always be collaborating with him in a common vision to get Aiken's children singing. He can be credited with recruiting and enlisting countless male singers--from elementary school boys to adult men. He is responsible for founding the highly acclaimed, South Boundary, and I've lost track of how many boys' choirs--at least three! He was tireless, tenacious, passionate, and the best promoter ever!!! There is a big, sad, empty space in the Aiken music community and in many hearts--including mine. Be at peace, Friend.

What an accomplished guy Bill was and he lived life to the fullest. The Riehl family has made extraordinary contributions to their hometown of Colton, and he will be dearly missed. My best to his immediate family and to Ann and family. --Peg Weegar Hashem

Bill will missed by so many. He touched the lives of many. I will cherish the fond memories of singing with him in South Boundary and in Masterworks. We had a great time together in Italy this past May.
We have lost a great man but he is organizing a new group in heaven!

Tony Street

My daughter Aline and I send our sincere condolences to the Riehl family. You were there for Aline this past summer when our family lost my dad, and I am forever grateful to you for your kindness and generosity. Aline always spoke very fondly of Bill. We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Pat, I have already expressed my sadness and condolences to you privately, but would like to add a bit of my very warm memories. I first met Bill while at Texaco, in New Orleans, in 1974. He was possibly my first friend there, and we connected through -surprise! - barbershop quartet music. It wasn't too long before we were singing in a quartet together. Then a second one, just for fun, the "Out to Lunch Bunch". At the 1976 Jazz and Heritage Festival, he walked around for several hours with our oldest son Ben on his shoulders. He and I planned a lot of music together before we Dittys moved to the DC area and then to the Dallas area. It seems like we lost touch for a while, and he was working somewhere when I visited you in England. But we reconnected in Dubai, of all places, in 1996. Bill Riehl is one of the best human beings I know, and I miss him. Please know that you and yours are welcome in Gordon, TX anytime.

Pat, I am so sorry. I know that this is so very painful, but remember that you have so many who care about you. I pray that you can find some peace in this time of great sorrow.

I had the pleasure of singing with Bill when he did the first Men Sing at Aiken Tech. What a great experience he facilitated. My family's prayers will be for your comfort and peace as you work through his loss.

Pat, So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer have been with you since this journey began, and will continue. An old Wildwod neighbor, and classmate of Anns'

Pat, I am thinking about you daily, we feel honoured that we met and shared some wonderful times with Bill in Scotland. There are no words I can find to comfort you. Just know there are many everywhere who think and pray for you and have been touched by your guy Bill.

Pat, I pray God wraps his arms around you and your family during this time of grief, keeping you together, and giving you strength