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Travis Riley, 48, of Onalaska, Washington, passed away on Nov. 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, following a courageous six-week fight for his life. He leaves behind a lifetime of adventure, laughter, hard work, and memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Born Sept. 14, 1978, in Chehalis, Washington, to Dale and Debra (McLeod) Riley/Lytle, Travis grew up in Lewis County and graduated from W.F. West High School in 1997.
Travis joined the Laborers' Union on Aug. 31, 1998, and dedicated nearly three decades to the construction industry as a skilled journeyman and foreman. Working primarily for Forma Construction, he helped build projects throughout Western Washington. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping construct the new elementary schools in Chehalis, where his own children would later attend. Travis was known for his exceptional skills as a concrete laborer, his determination, and his belief in always being the hardest-working person on the jobsite.
In 2006, Travis met his wife, Christina, while they were both working for Kiewit building pontoons. Their relationship began on a construction site and grew into a life filled with hard work, shared adventures, and a family they both loved dearly.
An avid outdoorsman, Travis had an incredible passion for hunting, fishing, and adventure. His travels took him throughout the western United States, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and Florida. He was proud of the many hunting and fishing experiences he enjoyed, but his greatest joy came from sharing those passions with his wife and children. He patiently taught them to scout, hunt, fish, and process wild game, passing down knowledge, traditions, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Above all, Travis loved being a father. Hunter and Piper were his greatest pride, and he dedicated himself to teaching them the importance of hard work, good manners, independence, and perseverance. He was one of their biggest supporters, spending countless hours supporting their 4-H and livestock activities and traveling throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California to help them pursue their passions. Whether on the road, in the mountains, at a livestock show, or working together at home, Travis understood that the most important moments in life were those spent together.
Travis was hardworking, adventurous, funny, and never afraid to be a little goofy to make someone laugh. He loved taking the long way home, discovering new places, and making memories wherever life took him. He often said he "worked to live, not lived to work," and he lived those words by making time for his family and the adventures they shared.
Travis is survived by his wife, Christina (Skannes) Riley; children, Hunter and Piper Riley; mother, Debra (McLeod) Lytle; sisters, Dusty Ross and Ina Riley; brothers-in-law, Jared Ross and Keith Skannes; sisters-in-law, Angela Heller, Kendall Skannes, and Chantelle Lynch; nephews, Ethan and Elijah Ross; nieces, Brooklyn and Brylee Skannes, Makenzy Lynch, Grace Riley, and Kayden Heller; mothers-in-law, Shari Berryman and Tara Skannes; and his loving grandma, Ina McLeod. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Riley; grandfather, Don McLeod Sr.; grandparents, Lawrence and Caroline Riley; and father-in-law, Charlie Skannes.
Travis's legacy lives on in the projects he built, the traditions he passed down, the memories he created, and most importantly, the lives he shaped through his love and example.
His greatest accomplishments were never the things he built or the places he traveled, but the family he loved and the memories they made together.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Bethel Church, 132 Kirkland Road, Chehalis, WA 98532.
A benefit honoring Travis and supporting his family will be held on Nov. 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Cedar Hill Acres of Washington, 21903 Zenkner Valley Road SW, Centralia.
Those wishing to support his family may contribute at:
