Obituary of Cyril Carvell Riley

RILEY, Cyril Carvell June 29, 1938 – May 22, 2021 Pictou It is with profound sadness that the family of Carvell Riley, age 82, announce his passing on Saturday, May 22 in the Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou. Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Carvell was the son of the late Eva and Gordon Riley. He was raised in Halifax but would say that the happiest days of his youth were passed at the home of his Granny and Grandad in Liscomb, a home he eventually purchased, restored, and made the centre of family vacations. Carvell knew the value of hard work and family. From the time of his high school graduation until the time of his retirement, he worked for Maritime Tel and Tel Co., Ltd., and it was while employed with MT&T that he met the love of his life, Kay (Kathleen MacDonald). MT&T was an important part of his life, and the family made many moves as Carvell advanced within the company, eventually settling in Pictou. He was instrumental in closing the party line system of telecommunication in Nova Scotia, and his work vehicle was equipped with one of the first mobile telephones in the Maritime Provinces. Carvell devoted himself to his family and travelling: camping trips to the cottage, and RVing around the Maritimes were the order of each summer. He was a wonderful neighbour who never hesitated to lend a hand. His grandchildren were the lights of his life, and many of the most enjoyable hours of his retirement were spent at school concerts, award ceremonies, travelling with the grandchildren, playing Uno and checkers, and at the beach. He was an alter-server and active member of the congregation at Saint James Anglican Church in Pictou for many years, and was a congregant of Saint Luke’s Anglican Church in Liscomb. Carvell was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Anna Marguerite. He is survived by Kay, his wife of 59 years; daughters, Carla (Rob) Baillie, Chance Harbour, and Dawn (Jamie) Musick, Scotch Hill; grandchildren, Stephanie, Morgan, and Mack Baillie, Kaylen and Taryn Musick; brother, Wayne Riley, Manitoba. The kindness and compassion offered to Carvell by Dr. MacLaughlin and the staff of the Shiretown Nursing Home will always be remembered by the family. Cremation has taken place, and a private burial will be held at a later date in Saint Luke’s Cemetery, Liscomb. Carvell was a faithful supporter of charitable causes and the family encourages those who choose to do so to make a donation in Carvell’s memory to any charity. To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. - Thomas Campbell