John Patrick Riess

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, John Patrick Riess. On February 14, 2025, John, devoted husband of 23 years to Shona Schleppe, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. His love for Shona was unwavering and matched only by his love for their dog, Marisol.

Along with Shona, John’s passing will be grieved by his parents, Lucian and Therese Riess, his brothers, Paulo, Kenneth (Jennifer), and Timothy (Shauna). John will be fondly remembered by his nieces (Kira, Kala and Daley), nephews (Cooper, Casey and Caje), brother and sister-in-law (Brent and Sylvie) and his mother-in-law, Adeline. He will be missed by uncles/aunts, cousins and countless friends. His kind heart and honest demeanor imprinted on many; he will live on forever in our hearts!

John was born in 1964 in London, Ontario and moved to Edmonton, Alberta with his parents shortly after. He spent his school aged years in Edmonton. John then guided by his innate mechanical aptitude, pursued his passion of working with his hands in the field of heating and ventilation. John’s knowledge extended far beyond refrigeration. He was the “guy” if family or friends needed a solution. There was never a task or project too big! He could figure things out in a matter of seconds. John was genuine, caring and giving always with a twinkle in his blue eyes and a dash of wit. He will be missed by his friends both in Edmonton and Okanagan Falls, BC.

In 2015, Shona and John followed their dream and set down roots in Okanagan Falls, BC. The intent to embrace an active lifestyle and explore the Okanagan playground. The travel trailer was replaced by a fishing boat, cycling and running year-round, hiking and exploring in the hills, footsteps from their home or a scenic jeep excursion.

His passion was not limited to recreation. John was an accomplished athlete, excelling in track, cycling, triathlon, cross country skiing. He lived life to the fullest. His latest passion was restoring a 1984 Jeep CJ. It arrived on a flatbed trailer and a few bleeding knuckles later that CJ is exploring the hills with his Ok Falls jeep friends. John also had a passion for remote control (RC) planes and cars. Many were built by hand, and all were driven/flown with his nephews, nieces and RC friends.

John loved to travel, had a strong knowledge of history. Shona and him enjoyed trips to Maui, attended the Tour de Vuelta, cycled in Chile, visited family in Ireland and took in Seahawks games in the US. There was no limit to his curiosity and inquisitive mind – he became an accomplished SCUBA diver, entered fishing derbies, enjoyed hunting, could stucco a retaining wall and design/weld a floating bed.

Family was important to John. He especially loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. They were blessed with his zest for life! John adored animals, especially his canine companions. He will now be welcomed by two of his best canines, Abby and Sable.

Honoring John’s wishes, celebrations of his life will take place in both Edmonton and Okanagan Falls. The dates and details to be confirmed. Please note, the celebrations will be outdoors and may involve the noise of engines and other loud sounds.

The Riess family extends a huge thank you to the nurses and doctors of Ward 5A7 at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, for the care and compassion John received in his final time surrounded by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute or to a charitable dog welfare society.