Riley Moticka

05/27/1943 – 04/05/2024

Farmer. Father. Fisherman. Friend.

               Riley was a Farmer.

     Known as “the gardener” to many, he brought to life every inch of his ¼ acre Cloverdale home, filling it with love. He tended his vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flowers, cultivating over 65 varieties of bearded irises.

     Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on May 27, 1943 to Helen Mary Tomasko and Emil John Moticka, Riley was the younger brother of his brother Robert and sister Judy. He grew up on a dairy farm in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, in a large farmhouse without electricity, in the days of kerosene lamps and iceboxes. One of the many stories he regaled was of his father using dynamite to set poles for the electrical lines. When Riley was in sixth grade, the family moved to East Hartford, CT where he soon met his lifelong friend and “brother” Robert Harrison.

     After graduating high school in 1961 Riley entered the Air Force and was a communications interceptor during the Cuban Missile Crisis and eventually stationed in Japan during The Vietnam War.

               Riley was a Father.

     Upon his return from the service, after a brief semester at Kent State in 1966. He helped found Erewhon Farm in New Hampshire where he lived with his daughters Amita and Maggie.  

     In the early 1970’s his hippie heart took him and his daughters west to California, into the early 70’s Haight/Ashbury scene. Some of his fondest memories were of this time: living on Haight St. with his long-time roommate Octavio del Rio and daughters while managing The Boarding House, a historical nightclub that hosted many notable acts including but not limited to Van Morrison, Neal Young, The Talking Heads, Bob Marley, Steve Martin, Robin Williams and Bette Midler.

     From the boarding house he went to work at Major Ponds on Divisadero St. where met the love of his life Robin. Eventually he and his family moved north to Sonoma County in 1980.

     Riley and Robin married in 1984 and settled in Cloverdale in 1986 where they moved into their home of 37 years, raising children Quinn and Reed.

     Riley worked until 2000 (even at one point helping open the Hotel La Rose on 4th street in Santa Rosa), when he retired and was able to deepen his passions for fishing and gardening.

               Riley was a Fisherman.

     A skilled fly-tier, he would fish the Russian River for Steelhead and fly-fish in Oregon for rainbow trout. Riley and Robin spent their marriage fishing and camping each summer, returning each year to Williamson River for 25 years. During summer storms, they would often sit and count the miles from the lightning.

               Riley was a Friend.

    He was a cheerleader, he always complimented and encouraged his families pursuits. His warm heart, wonderful stories and many passions will be truly missed every day. He is now free to explore the universe and ready for infinity.

“Rest your tired eyes

Count your blessings against the thunder

Kiss the years goodbye” – Jeffery Foucault

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