Wyatt Riley photo

 Send Condolence

Robert Wyatt Riley
Date Of Birth:December 7, 1998
Date Of Death:August 19, 2010
Service Date:August 23, 2010

Robert Wyatt Riley, age 11 of Bloomington, passed away Thursday afternoon August 19, 2010 at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Wyatt as he was affectionately referred to as was born in Lake Forest, Illinois on December 7, 1998 to Robert E. and Jennifer Atkinson Riley. He had attended his first day of Fifth grade at Binford Elementary on Wednesday of this week before his death on Thursday. Wyatt enthusiastically involved himself with the PALS Organization, the Adaptive PE Program at Indiana University, the Fogerty Music Program and various activities at the YMCA here in Bloomington. Wyatt’s love of music, trees, balloons, and all things mechanical was only surpassed by his charming, pure and selfless nature. He truly didn’t know a stranger. Wyatt leaves behind his parents, Robert and Jennifer Atkinson Riley of Bloomington; his older sister Erin and younger brother Jackson, also of Bloomington; his paternal grandparents Ronald and Jill Riley of Beech Park, Illinois; his maternal grandparents Arthur and Nancy Atkinson of Bloomington, and many, many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday August 23, 2010 at 10:00AM at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where Wyatt and his family are members. Visitation will be held Sunday August 22, 2010 at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37, Bloomington from 3:00PM until 8:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Wyatt to the Williams Syndrome Association at www.williams-syndrome.org.


  • From: Judy  McConnell
    Location:Bloomington, In

    I am so saddend to hear of your loss. Wyatt is so precious . It was such a joy to ride home on the bus( #117) with him every day . I loved his smiling face and joyful personality . He will forever hold a place in my heart . Peace be with the family


  • From: Janessa Gerber

    Jenny, Rob, Erin and Jackson, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Wyatt had such an amazing presence on this earth and I feel privileged that I knew him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we at Options can do, please don't hestitate to ask.


  • From: Collette & Sarah 
    Location:Indianapolis

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. There is now a beautiful ray of light shining down on all of us from heaven.


  • From: Linda Mullins
    Location:Bloomington

    On behalf of everyone at Options we send our deepest condolences to Wyatt's family. He was a super young man and such a pleasure to be around. May God be with you at this most difficult time.


  • From: Patti Sikes
    Location:Pitman, New Jersey

    My student! My friend! My model of positive thinking! What an incredible blessing Wyatt was and will be to my life. Thank you for the precious memories. Rob, Jen, Erin, and Jackson I am so sorry. I am praying for you. In spite of this horrible tragedy, I am convinced that GIGATTAATTGIG (God Is Good All The Time And All The Time God Is Good).


  • From: Robin Langley
    Location:Bloomington

    Wyatt was such a special little guy. I'll always remember his sweet, sweet smile in the halls of Lakeview when he was a student there. I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God provide you comfort and strength during this time.


  • From: Natalie Brewington
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    I am so amazed that such a young soul had such an impact on so many people. I feel so blessed to have known this wonderful little boy, with his bright smile and beautiful laugh, and I thank you Rob, Jennifer, Erin and Jackson for sharing him with all of us.


  • From: Catherine Davies
    Location:Indiana Resource Center for Autism

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were privileged to have Wyatt help us with our TEACCH training the last 2 years. He touched the lives of many teachers who attended the training and taught them skills that they are now using with their own students. But for our training team (from North Carolina as well as IRCA) the one thing that stood out about Wyatt was his bright spirit- everyone loved being around him and working with him. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you all.


  • From: Ginny Dunn
    Location:Bloomington

    You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.


  • From: J Keith Roberts DDS and staff
    Location:Bloomington

    We all are so sorry to hear about Wyatt. He was one of our favorite patients. He always had a hug and a smile for us We will miss him.


  • From: Tonya & Chance Flynn
    Location:Bloomington

    Wyatt was a such a special soul and a joy to know. Chance loved being in class with Wyatt and seeing him at IU. We are so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Kathy Rowe
    Location:San Diego, CA

    My deepest condolences for your family. It was easy to see that Wyatt was a very loved child. My heart is broken for you. I wish you strength and comfort during this very difficult period. A big hug to you from me and Rachel (11 with WS) and from your WS family.


  • From: Christene  Beck
    Location:Ramseur NC

    Wyatt is a beautiful child. We are so sorry for your loss please know you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Sending love & Hugs from NC Steven ~ Christene ~ & Pierce Beck age 8 with Williams Syndrome..


  • From: Christi Bethard
    Location:Las Vegas

    I am so very sorry to hear of Wyatt's passing. My Sons remember him well and fondly from the WSA camp in St. Louis. They said he was a very nice boy and didn't get into any trouble ever. May God's Angels surround you always and the memories stay close to your heart. The Bethard Family


  • From: Jason Heinrich
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    On behalf of Stephanie, Max, Julian, and myself, we would like to offer our most sincerest of condolences. Wyatt was always such a sweet little boy and will be missed.


  • From: John & Wendy Phillips
    Location:San Antonio, TX

    Our thoughts & prayers are with you all!! May God be with you during this difficult time. John, Wendy, Charles (WS), & Charlotte San Antonio, TX


  • From: Pat Donile
    Location:Zion,Il.

    Riley/Atkinson family, I am so sorry for your loss!Wyatt went thru alot in such a short life.He is now a Brave soldier in Gods army!Walking the streets of GOLD!He now has a perfect body,He is an ANGEL in the LORD,watching over all of you.Praying for the family. I know you dont know me but I worked at Walmart in RLB with Nancy I asked her alot about Wyatt.Thanks for posting in our paper in Il.Again sorry for your loss. I think about you alot Nancy. In Gods Love Pat from Zion Il.


  • From: Becky Starks
    Location:Griffith IN

    Jenny, Rob, Erin, Jackson and all the rest of the family I am sooo proud to have known Wyatt, he was just pure joy and energy and I loved every minute we were able to spend with him at christmas and the reunions! He was awesome to watch at bucaneer bay!!!!! I remember the first time I held him as a baby he threw up all over me and as he got older I remember his great hugs whether you wanted one or not. Then in the last few years his awesome handshakes! It didnt' matter if he saw you 10 minutes before, we were still worthy of his time and we got another handshake, He made eveyones day brighter and made everyone feel special. All our love and prayers!!!!!! Becky Barrett and the boys!


  • From: Verna Hornbaker
    Location:Riverdale, CA

    Praying strength for the days ahead. Hoping the wonderful memories of Wyatt, and the strength of the Father get you through. Blessings Verna and Nicki (22ws)


  • From: Charles Eshenbaugh
    Location:Apollo, Pa.

    Rob ,I really don't know what to say, I was so sad when I read about Wyatt on the CC on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.


  • From: Julie Seet
    Location:PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

    Our heart felt sympathy and understanding and shared tears. We may be strangers on the outside, but tied together forever no matter what, on the WS path that does not end it just changes course. RIP Wyatt Love and Hugs The SEET Family (Reuben RIP 7.2.01)


  • From: Victoria Collins
    Location:England, UK

    Sending you our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Victoria, Andy, Daniel and Tyler (4 ws)


  • From: Priscilla Weaver
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Wyatt was such a joy to have as part of the APE program at IU. His sweet and loving spirit will be missed deeply by all of us here at IU. We send our prayers and thoughts to your family.


  • From: Ethan Brown
    Location:bloomington

    Wyatt came into our class twice each week and we were always happy when he came in. i`m really sorry.


  • From: Rebecca, Wayne, Ben (WS) & Daniel  Johnson
    Location:St Louis, MO

    Dear Riley Family, My family here in the US and in Australia are very saddened to hear about Wyatt. Our heart breaks for you all- Much Love the Johnson Family


  • From: Alexis McCloud
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Jenny, Rob, Erin, and Jackson- I feel so blessed to have been able to get to know you and your family. Wyatt made such an impact on my life and career. He meant so much to everyone. I still keep the picture of the two of us swimming on my fridge. He will always have a place in my heart. My thoughts and love are with you all.


  • From: Lisa Loreti
    Location:Lexington, Virginia

    My daughter Katlin (WS) and I would like to send out our condolences to the family of Wyatt. May God help you during your time of need.


  • From: Teri Schneider
    Location:Pleasant Prairie WI

    Rob, Jenny, Erin & Jackson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I didn't get a chance to know Wyatt, last time I seen him, he was about two years old. He was a special little guy and God had big plans for him. I know how bad this hurts but know that he will always be with you shining down on all of you from above. I wish I could be there to give you all a big hug but know that my heart, my thoughts & my prayers are with you!! God bless you Wyatt, may peace be with you now.


  • From: Jeff Grahovac
    Location:Gurnee

    Ronnie My Mom just told me about your loss. We are so sorry to hear that a life was taken so early. We will never know why but rest assured he is in a better place. You will hear those words often and it will not help now but as the pain subsides realize he is in a better place. Again, sorry for your loss, give your family our best. Love Jeff, Charlotte, Emmaline and Trenton


  • From: Alan Alexis
    Location:Bakersfiueld Ca

    Rob & family. I am so sorry to hear about Wyatt's passing. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Alan Alexis & family


  • From: Jane Grahovac
    Location:Gurnee IL

    To all of Wyatt's family, My heart goes out to all. The loss is unimageable. All who I heard talk about the little guy was always full of love and happiness. Sincerly, your cousin Jane.


  • From: Brittany  Moore
    Location:Bedford

    The Riley Family, I am so sorry for your lost. I always enjoyed coming to your house for meetings. My greatest memories were when Wyatt would always come to the table and shake everyone's hand. He was an amazing boy. He will be missed by everyone he has touched at Options.


  • From: linda rangel
    Location:waukegan il

    you don't know me but i'm reggie and jills hairstylist in waukegan il. i'm sending my deepest sympathy to all the family on the loss of your angel robert. you're in my thoughts and prayers in the saddest of times. god bless.


  • From: Susan Vaughn
    Location:Bloomington, In.

    I am so very saddened by your loss. I can not imagine the hurt all of you must feel. I didn't have the pleasure of ever meeting Wyatt, but i came to love him through his Mimi. I cherish those stories and antic and will forever remember all the love he was give from such a loving family. He is with God, being held in the safest, sweetest part of his heart, until we meet him again. "To Where You Are" Who can say for certain Maybe you're still here I feel you all around me Your memory, so clear Deep in the stillness I can hear you speak You're still an inspiration Can it be (?) That you are mine Forever love And you are watching over me from up above Fly me up to where you are Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile If only for awhile to know you're there A breath away not far To where you are Are you gently sleeping Here inside my dream And isn't faith believing All power can't be seen As my heart holds you Just one beat away I cherish all you gave me everyday 'Cause you are my Forever love Watching me from up above And I believe That angels breathe And that love will live on and never leave Fly me up To where you are Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile If only for awhile To know you're there A breath away not far To where you are I know you're there A breath away not far To where you are May God bless you all.


  • From: Henan Li
    Location:Chicago, IL

    I wish I could dance and laugh and have fun like Wyatt--he was such a rock star. Wyatt, all your teachers and staff at IU Adapted Physical Activity program are so proud of you. We will all miss you very dearly.


  • From: Robin Cullinan
    Location:New York

    Dear Jenny, We are so sorry for your loss. Each of us are family. Your children are our children. When one of our kids succeeds we all celebrate. When one of our kids is sick or passes we are all heart broken. From our family to yours we are thinking about you during this difficult time. Robin and Mike Cullinan, mom to Autumn 7yrs and Aiden 3.10 yrs (WS)


  • From: Kerry Ingram
    Location:Mukwonago Wi.

    Sorry to hear about yor loss Rob and Jenny, you are both inour thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!! Kerry and Lisa


  • From: Vickie Lambert
    Location:illinois

    I pray for God's Peace and Comfort to overwhelm your hearts in the loss of your dear Wyatt. As the hours, days and months go by, I pray for gentle healing of your broken hearts. I lost my son 27 months ago and can testify to the fact that keeping your eyes fixed on Him is the balm that comforts a hurting heart. Gentle hugs of sympathy to Wyatt's family and friends.


  • From: Karen Maki
    Location:Kenosha WI

    sorry for your loss


  • From: Patty Adams
    Location:Home

    Jennifer, Rob and Family, Sorry to hear about Wyatt's Passing. He rode my bus several years ago to Templeton, I still remember the snow storm we had one winter day about the time school got out, Traffic was backed up everywhere, vehicles were in ditches, roads were almost impassable, we were running very late, the kids were getting grouchy and tired of sitting in traffic, but Wyatt never complained, he just sat there looking out the window, watching the snow, and every once in a while he would take a deep breath and sigh a little, but never saying a word. I'll always remember him, such a sweet kid.


  • From: Brenda Polley
    Location:Bloomington,IN

    Rob and family, My heart breaks for you at your loss. Hold tight to your faith that some day you will be reunited as a family in the afterwhile. May your memories of Wyatt remain ever bright and comfort you in the trying days ahead as you deal with this sadness. I know you are better people for having had him in your family for these 11 years. My sincere condolences to you.


  • From: Kace Escobedo
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Simply put...Wyatt is the best! I am so glad I got to know him at IU's APE program. His smile and sweet personality were contagious, and for that, I am thankful. I am sure that anytime music is played during the program, Wyatt will be thought of by the staff and participants. God Bless your family and loved ones.


  • From: Sarah Stermer
    Location:Bloomington Indiana

    I am a ten year old fifth grader at Childs Elementary School. When I was in third grade, I had peer buddies with Wyatt. He was very kind and he soon became my friend.I had good times with him. I will always remember Wyatt


  • From: Wade Snider
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Riley Family - I am sorry for the loss of Wyatt. He was a special young man and it was a pleasure knowing him and your wonderful family. I wish you the very best for all of you for the future. I would be happy to help you in any way that I can.


  • From: Sarah Stermer
    Location:Bloomington Indiana

    I am a ten year old fifth grader at Childs Elementary School. When I was in third grade, I had peer buddies with Wyatt. He was very kind and he soon became my friend.I had good times with him. I will always remember Wyatt


  • From: kelly seibert
    Location:Bloomington

    TO Wyatt's family, our prayers are with you. Wish we could have met Wyatt. What a wonderful smile. We lost our little guy, also born in 1998, to a metabolic disorder at age 5. He too was a joy to everyone around him. So sorry for your loss!!!