Howard Riley smiles with his wife Ruth at their home in April 2023. (Enterprise file photo — Lauren Yates)

To the editor:

Well, another Adirondack year has come and gone. Summer is winding down and we all know what is ahead of us. There are some things in life we can always depend on — the seasons will arrive and depart on schedule (for the most part), tourists will arrive and depart, family will visit us when weather permits and send their regrets when the ground turns white, geese will leave a sign of their respect on nearby lawns, loons will leave for vacation when the lakes start to crust over, and Howard Riley will celebrate another joyful birthday.

Howard is, by far, my favorite Adirondacker. His presence is always inspiring, his stories are based on experience and mostly accurate, and his sense of humor is as welcome as a morning sunrise.

Howard is, maybe by default, our raconteur, the local repository of little-known historical facts about time, people, and place. As Howard will tell you (paraphrased) “the stories are accurate and there aren’t many people around who could challenge me anyway.” Howard Riley has the most interesting and diverse bio that I have ever seen. He has served as hotel manager, newspaper publisher, judge, liquor store owner, writer, and one of the Adirondack leaders who helped bring the Olympics to the Park. That’s the 1980 Olympics, not the 1932. (Although you might want to ask Howard about 1932. I’m sure there’s a story there.)

Howard loves this place, the people, the history, the ups and downs, an occasional political battle, and talks about what was and what could be. He is, simply put, an interesting guy. I feel fortunate to call him a friend and relish every opportunity to weave a tale with him and laugh with reckless abandon.

Don’t ever miss the opportunity to stop him for a chat, pull him in for a cup of coffee, or approach a controversial local topic for his opinion. You won’t be disappointed.

Howard — wishing you the happiest of birthdays and another trip around the sun.

Paul Sorgule

Saranac Lake