Kenneth Gregory Riddle

Durango, CO/Milton, VT - Kenneth “Greg” Riddle, 64, died of natural causes on January 5th, 2024 doing one of the many things he loved, skiing. He lived his life to the absolute fullest until he took a shortcut to heaven from 10,000 feet above sea level.

Greg was born in Philadelphia, PA on 11/6/1959 to his parents Kelly and Inge Riddle. He graduated from Northampton High School in 1977 and Northampton County Community College in 1979. He moved to Vermont in 1979 when he accepted a position with IBM and worked there for forty years until his retirement in 2019. Greg married the love of his life, Lisa Gokey Riddle in 1983 in Essex Junction, VT. Together, they raised their two children, Brad Riddle and Megan Cleveland in Milton, VT. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Greg was passionate about many things in life and had many hobbies, but most importantly he lived by one rule, to always have fun, so he made everything fun, even mundane day-to-day activities. Greg spent his years fly-fishing, skiing, boating, grilling, fixing cars, tinkering and listening to music. He especially enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He loved his properties in Vermont, New York, and Colorado and their respectful bodies of water: Lake Champlain, the Salmon River, and the Animas River. He loved to help others and was always the first to offer a helping hand when a car broke down, an errand needed running or a broken garage door needed fixing.

Greg and Lisa moved to Durango, CO in August of 2021 to spend their golden years closer to their kids. They spent many happy days with their family, riding bikes to the local breweries, boating, soaking in hot springs, traveling, and enjoying their view of the La Plata Mountains from their deck. Greg loved the freedom of retirement and fished as many days as possible during the last years of his life.

Greg lived more life in 64 years than most could in 100 years. He was incredibly strong, energetic, jovial, loud, and funny every single day. He never let hard times get him down and had endless love to give to those around him. He made friends everywhere he went, told stories to strangers, and treated everyone like family. He was immensely proud of his family and the life he worked very hard for. His dream of becoming a grandfather came true in July 2023 when Rory was born; he never missed an opportunity to visit him, hold him, or make him smile. Greg’s family plans to carry on his legacy by teaching Rory to fish and making every day a fun one.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his son and daughter in law Brad Riddle and Whitney Blakstad, his daughter, son in law and grandson, Megan, Ryan, and Rory Cleveland, his brother and sister in law Ron and Connie Riddle of Nesquehoning, PA and his special fishing partner, friend and brother in law of 40 years, Scott, and his wife Lisa Gokey of Essex Junction, VT. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his Vermont “bubbas” and the many others he loved to call his “sons” or “brothers.”

He is predeceased by his parents Inge and Kelly Riddle, brother Bruce Riddle, mother-in-law, Bette Gokey Loso and
father-in-law Dewey Gokey.

A memorial service will be held at Hood Mortuary in Durango, Colorado on Friday, January 26 at 10:30am followed by a visit to his favorite fishing hole on the Animas River and then a celebration at 11th Street Station. There will be a livestream of the service posted in a link below for those who cannot attend. The family is planning a celebration of life in Vermont at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the local Trout Unlimited Chapter at
https://fiveriverstu.org.

STREAMING WILL BEGIN at 12:30PM EST.