In Memory of Dr. J. Paul Riley

Raised on a ranch in British Columbia (BC), Canada, Paul Riley learned life lessons from hard work and a mother who was a classics scholar of Greek and Latin. Education was a priority for Paul, earning a BS in Ag Engineering from UBC (1950) then came to USU specifically to study under O.W. Israelsen to pursue a Civil Engineer (CE) professional degree (1952). For the next 10 years Paul worked as a water engineer in BC and taught Ag Engineering at Oregon State.

In 1963, Paul returned to work at USU and the newly established Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) and completed his PhD in 1966. Dr. Riley’s innovative use of hybrid (analog and digital) computers to simulate hydrologic and water resource management systems opened up significant new water research opportunities at the UWRL. He consulted on and contributed to the development of water resources in the United States, Canada, India, China, Egypt, and several west African nations. 

Dr. Riley strongly promoted an interdisciplinary and international approach to water research, engaging colleagues from across the campus in projects, as well as helping professionals in countries around the world to develop computer models of their water resource systems.

In recognition of his contributions to nurturing young engineers, the Utah Section of the American Water Resources Association instituted the J. Paul Riley Student Paper Competition that awards scholarships to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in Utah. The competition rewards students who are able to communicate their research through effective writing and presentations.

Following his 1995 retirement from teaching at USU and work at UWRL, Dr. Riley served a term as a board member with the Utah Division of Water resources. After his work with the state, he and his wife Dorothy fulfilled a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he oversaw the upgrading of water systems at many church-owned mountains camps in Utah and Idaho.  

Shortly before his death in July of 2021, Dr. Riley received the History and Heritage Award from the Utah Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of his achievements and lifetime of work in the civil engineering profession.

Please join his family in honoring J. Paul Riley by making a donation to support Civil & Environmental Engineering at Utah State University.