"Paul Riis was a distinguished man a Superior Officer and a incredible friend to my family. He had himself assigned to guard and protect my mother when my father passed in February 1979. Prior to my dad passing he thought of Paul as a best friend and one of his most trusted advisors he had ever served with. I will remember Colonel Riis meeting him when he was a young Captain stationed with our family in Tacoma Washington. I was just a young teenager but always looked up to this man...Paul I have thought of you over the years, trusted you were well... I am saddened by your passing. Yet knowing you enriched my life where words cannot compare....GOD rest your soul you were a good man Sincerely David Bevan White Rock British Columbia"
In loving memory of
PAUL ANDREW RIIS
March 29, 1940 - March 15, 2015
Col. Paul Andrew Riis, Ret, RCAF, 74, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2015 of natural causes with his loving wife by his side.
Paul was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on March 29, 1940 the son of Florence (Paulson) and Viggo Riis. He had 35 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), rising to the rank of Colonel.
In 1961, while stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, MI, Paul met the love of his life Rochelle Bertrand. They were married in 1963 and were blessed with two children, Greg and Leanne. His military career spanned four decades which took his family on a journey across much of the U.S. and Canada where they may made many fond memories.
From 1985 to 1989, Colonel Riis served as Commander of the 22nd NORAD Region; subsequently becoming Deputy Commander Personnel at Air Command Headquarters of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
After retiring from the RCAF Paul and his wife returned to Marquette in 1992 where he became Chief Flight Instructor for Northern Michigan Aviation and subsequently started his own flight school, Skyward Aviation, where he shared his passion for flying with countless students.
In 2007, Paul retired and spent time surrounded by family; including his beloved grandchildren. He was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Knights of Columbus. He served as an usher at St. Louis the King Catholic Church and volunteered at Room at the Inn along with St. Vincent de Paul.
Paul will be remembered for his vibrant personality and joyful spirit.
Paul is survived by his wife, Rochelle Riis of Marquette; son, Greg (Cheryl) Riis of Iron Mountain, MI; daughter, Leanne (Dave) Poirier of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughter, Kayla (Steve) Iansiti of Haslett, MI; granddaughter, Jennifer Riis and Fiancé Kyle Anderson of Neenah, WI; grandson, Braden Riis and Fiancé Bridget Holbrook of Mt. Pleasant, MI; granddaughter, Emilie Poirier and grandson, Alex Poirier of Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Ken (Kristin) Riis of Ancaster, Ontario, CAN; brother, Dave (Johanne) Riis of Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; also sister, Cynthia (Gene) Jones of Green Bay, WI.
He is predeceased by his parents, Viggo and Florence (Paulson) Riis; sister-in-law, Patricia Riis; brothers-in-law, Roland Bertrand and Stephen Blondeau.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. in St. Louis the King Catholic Church with the Rev. Glenn Theoret officiating. The Riis family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 12 noon until the time of the Mass. Mr. Riis' grandchildren will act as his escorts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 309 S. Front St., Suite #233, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Rochelle, Greg and Leann, Paul was an absolute gentleman and a meticulous professional. I learned from working with Paul so many years ago. I would have enjoyed working with him at his own flight school. I am surprised and saddened by his early passing and am so sorry for your loss. He will be in my thoughts. Jeff Gilbert"
"Where have you gone You struggled for so very long and then suddenly you were gone in the blur of mourners and ceremony I wonder where you've gone the house is quiet now the cards are put away well wishers have come and gone is it time to grieve today? I wonder where you've gone and now I sit alone my thoughts are just my own I look above the clouds and wonder where you've gone I see the stars pass by and feel a smile and a sigh as a fond memory passes by I feel you as I smile I no longer wonder where you've gone Goodbye Dad"
"Rochelle & Family, We have been out of town and just read about Paul. We want to express our sincere thoughts and prayers. Paul was such a gentleman and John enjoyed his friendship and having him as his flight instructor."
"I love the poem Dad, he will be missed dearly by many and lives on in all of us. Any time we sit around the fire, any time we see a plane over head, or any time we need someone to listen; he is there. Love you Grandpa. We will all make you proud!"
"We are so saddened to hear of Pauls passing. Paul was such a huge influence on my wife and I, as he taught both of us to fly when we were teens. When I became a Flight Instructor, Paul offered me my first flying job. He introduced me to my two loves in life, my wife and flying. Regrettably we are unable to attend his service but will be thinking of him. Keep the blue side up."
"Rochelle, Greg, Leanne and family; I am so sorry to here of Paul's passing, I was very proud to have know him he truly was a gentleman. I will not be able to attend the mass in his memory. I pledge to pray for the strength of his family at that time on Friday. May God bless each of you with his mercy and strength. Brian and Betsy Rochon"
"Sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Remembering Paul as a mentor in aviation for the Lewinski's-a good instructor. Also, as an usher at St. Louis the King. We are saddened that Paul did not get to read his memory book that his granddaughter was working on for his birthday. We are living in Tennessee and cannot attend his service. Prayers and thought to Rochelle and family"
"Please pass my condolences on to the Riis family. Paul was a true gentleman and a pleasure to fly with. It's hard to believe my private pilot training with Skyward Aviation was over 15 years ago it was a wonderful experience. It wasnt hard to ascertain that Paul loved aviation but more importantly, his family. With great regret, I am unable to attend services but send love and well-wishes to Rochelle and the entire Riis family. Godspeed Paul!"
"I am also a member of St Louis, and was so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. he was such a gentle soul and a true gentleman! Prayers and thoughts go out to your entire family!"
"We are deeply saddened to hear of Pauls passing. We were stationed with Paul and Rochelle and family at many locations throughout our mutual careers in the Canadian military and have fond memories of our experiences together. We are glad to see that Rochelle has family close nearby for support during this trying time. God Bless. Ann and Phil Riley"
"I'm saddened to hear of Paul's passing. My sympathy and prayers go out to cousin Rochelle and her family."
"I met Paul thru his grandchildren Emilie & Alex. He was very active in their school lives and I always knew that when there was a party, activity or special event in class and/or school, he would be there. My sympathies and prayers are with all of you at this sad time."
"Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. We will always remember Paul as a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend. Cherish your memories. Love the Burnett Family"
"Our sympathy and prayers as we remember Paul and Rochelle from our time together in North Bay. We hope your treasured memories help to bring you comfort in the coming days. Mary & Mel Cannell"
"I'm sorry to read about Paul's passing, he was a great guy and gentleman. Sorry I won't be at the funeral mass, I live in Lansing now but I will keep Paul in my prayers. John DeRocher"