Riley Winward

Riley James Winward, 33, died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle auto collision, June 23, 2025.

He was born February 15, 1992 in Akron, OH; lived in North Ogden, UT, and Eagle, ID; but spent his formative years growing up in Logan, Utah, with summers in Leysin, Switzerland. Most recently he’d moved back to Logan after several years living and working in Corvallis, OR.

He graduated from Logan High School in 2010 and eventually completed his welding certificate from Bridgerland Applied Technology College. Riley excelled at anything mechanical and quickly became a highly sought after artisan welder. He taught himself 3d printing and built his own 3d printer. He loved to tinker, solve mechanical problems and was a self-taught stock market investor. His latest attraction was artificial intelligence and he loved trying to outsmart the machine or leverage its power to make crazy images and then roar with laughter at the results.

With a twinkle in his eyes and an infectious handsome smile, he quickly made friends wherever he went. His nieces and nephews adored him and loved being with him, even though they were slow to warm up to everyone else.

After living summers with his family in Switzerland, he was bitten by the travel bug and took every opportunity to travel both domestic and abroad. His all-time favorite destination was Buenos Aires, Argentina where he discovered the love of good food and an appreciation for the culture and people of Argentina.

Riley overcame many physical challenges, but the biggest came in September 2023 when he was hit, head-on by a drunk driver while driving home from work in the early morning hours. The accident pulverized the bones in both his feet, and the doctors contemplated amputation. Luckily we discovered a renowned foot surgeon in Hood River Oregon who had the confidence he could save his feet. And after many surgeries and much pain, his feet were saved. However he could no longer stand for very long, nor walk any significant distances without great pain. So his brother called him Hephaestus, “the Greek god of fire, metalworking and craftsmanship, and the blacksmith of the Olympian gods—the only Olympian god with a physical imperfection, commonly described as a limp.” With the help of a cane, uber rides and multiple e-bikes, he continued his international travels.

Riley had a tenacious curiosity about everything. He was interested in art, philosophy, vocabulary and language. He was a believer in social justice and often befriended the indigent or those down on their luck. He fed them, clothed them and on occasion gave them a warm place to sleep.

He was a devoted pet owner to his dog, Abalone Beaver (Abby) and Elanore, his cantankerous little Manx cat. Already they miss him.

He is survived by his mother, Spring Viann Kiddy, Corvallis, OR, his father Robert Winward, Logan, UT, his brother Robert Michael Winward (Lexi), his favorite sister, Piper Dawn Winward and a large, loving extended family.

His cremains were interred at the Providence City Cemetery. “Remembering Riley” will be held August 2, 2025 at the White Pine funeral home, 753 South 100 East in Logan, Utah.  A meet and greet with with Riley's family will be from 10:00 to 10:45 AM.  Following the meet and greet at 11:00 AM will be Riley's tribute service. In Riley’s honor and in the spirit of celebration, please dress casual with lots of color. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cache Community Food Pantry, www.cachefood.org.