FRANCES (DIME) RILEY

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FRANCES (DIME) RILEY Dime Riley died quietly at home in Winnipeg on Friday, May 3 after a brief illness and a long, full life. She was a woman of many accomplishments but was best known for her grace, kindness and integrity. Dime was born in Winnipeg in 1917, the daughter of Harold and Myrtle Aikins. Her grandfather Sir James Aikins founded the Canadian Bar Association and was Manitobas Lieutenant Governor. Her great-grandfather, James Cox Aikins was also Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and a minister in the MacDonald federal cabinet. Her upbringing was in an atmosphere of privilege, but also of duty. By age 17, Dime had matriculated in Winnipeg and completed a further years schooling in England. At the Aikinss summer home near Minaki, ON, Dime had developed skills in swimming, diving, paddling and helping to entertain her familys many guests. After completing an Honours degree in English and Music at the University of Manitoba, Dime married Conrad (C.S.) Riley in May, 1940. C.S. was soon off to England as an officer with the Royal Canadian Artillery, so Dime joined the Canadian Womens Army Corps (CWAC). In 1942, at age 25, she commanded the first Company of 500 CWAC officers and enlisted women posted to England, where she occasionally reunited with C.S. In 1943 Dime was honorably discharged, with the rank of acting Major, to return to Winnipeg and give birth to their first child, Conrad Jr. C.S. returned in December, 1944 and he and Dime spent 55 more years together, based in Winnipeg. Although Dime chose to focus on being a homemaker and to be supportive of C.S. in his career and his activities, she found time to help others and distinguish herself. She worked hard for many organizations, including the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society, the United Way, Junior League, Balmoral Hall and St. Johns-Ravenscourt schools. Dime essentially completed a Masters degree in English and Philosophy, passed the Canadian Securities Course and was always involved in extension courses and study groups. She attended weekly yoga exercises for over thirty years, to the end of her days. To complement C.S.s passion for flying, Dime became a licensed private pilot and then went on to achieve her Float Plane endorsement. She could paddle a canoe through a November Delta Marsh loaded with dogs, guns and husband. She became a great chef. Most significantly, Dime paid attention to people. She had a smile and a patient ear for everyone and never forgot who your aunt was and never failed to be aware of and congratulate you for any achievement. Dime was predeceased by her husband, C.S. in 1999. She is survived by her sons, Conrad and Dennis and their families. A service of remembrance will be held for Dime on Wednesday, May 8 at Westminster United Church, Maryland & Westminster in Winnipeg, at 2:30 p.m. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2002