HR 38 (LSB 2647YH (5) 86)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 38

BY  BERRY and H. MILLER

A Resolution memorializing and honoring the contributions and legacy of Dr. Walter James Riley.

   WHEREAS, Dr. Walter James Riley was born in Milan, Georgia, on March 6, 1938, graduated as valedictorian of Milan High School, completed his undergraduate degree at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, with honors in three years in 1959, and graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1964; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley served his internship in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed a general medicine residency at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio, and a residency in general surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, and at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1970; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was board-certified in general surgery and practiced as Walter James Riley, M.D., P.C., for 45 years in Des Moines, Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was an associate professor at the University of Iowa Department of Surgery, associate professor at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, and associate professor at Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was chief of surgery at Iowa Lutheran Hospital and at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines during his career; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was a member of the American College of Surgeons, and a life member of the National Alumni Association of Meharry Medical College; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was an active member of Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines and was a philanthropist who gave generous donations to his church, and to civic organizations, universities, schools, and resident physicians, endowing several scholarships for aspiring students; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley received numerous awards for professional excellence from various governing bodies of medicine including the “ACE” (Always Committed to Excellence) Award from Iowa Health System in 2011 before retiring to Nashville with his wife and family in May 2011; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was married to his loving wife Carolyn for 53 years, and was the father of daughters Arlita, Janice, Angela, and Linda, and son Walter II, as well as a grandfather and great-grandfather; and
   WHEREAS, Dr. Riley was a magnificently kind and gentle man and an accomplished surgeon who leaves his family and friends with a profound and enduring legacy; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives memorializes and honors the accomplishments and achievements of Dr. Riley and his contributions to the citizens of the city of Des Moines and of the state.