Gregg John Riker
November 10, 1961 - December 24, 2025
On December 24th, 2025, the world lost Gregg John Riker. He passed away suddenly in Salt Lake City, Utah leaving behind a life of adventure, great friends and a loving family. He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 24 years Kristin, his two kids Sean and Ronnee (Krystal), as well as countless other family members and beloved friends.
Born November 10th, 1961 in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, Gregg was loyal and loving. He always found the good in people and the positive side to life’s unpredictable moments. After graduating from Mountain Lakes High School in 1980, he moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah. At the U, Gregg graduated with a degree in civil engineering, played defensive tackle and center guard lacrosse, and skied as much as possible. Utah would become his home for most of his life. A builder at heart, he worked in construction for his father in New Jersey, and later with other contractors for jobs that brought him to Utah, California, Ohio, Hawaii, Brazil, Vancouver BC and Colorado. Some of Gregg’s most notable projects included the Medals Plaza for the 2002 Olympics, gondolas at Steamboat and Deer Valley Ski areas and the lodge at Mammoth Ski Resort. In 2024, Gregg and Kristin retired together and spent a year skiing, traveling and boating around the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Amongst the many, activities he enjoyed, Gregg was an avid telemark and alpine skier, mountain biker, and scuba diver. Many of us traveled to beautiful destinations with Gregg to ride the mountains and swim with him in the oceans. Gregg loved to sit in a beach chair by the ocean, soak up the sun and listen to the crashing waves. He was a music lover, always excited about the most recent live show or college radio station he discovered and shared those experiences with everyone he loved. Gregg was also an active learner and great at fixing things. He loved to dive deep and tinker with whatever he was able to get his hands on.
His time was spent with intention and meaning. Gregg’s warm smile, ability to make us laugh, never at anyone’s expense, adventurous spirit, and kind heart will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held for him on January 24th, 2026 10:00 am at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek followed by a Celebration of Life at Fisher Brewing, 320 West 800 South, Salt Lake City immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite community or college radio station.
In Loving Memory
Whenever I saw Gregg it would light up my day. He is a joyous presence that still seems to uplift us from the other side. Gregg referred to his GMD locker as his teeny piece of Little Cottonwood Canyon real estate that he by golly was going to hold on to. It was his spirit that motivated me to lock down my own locker real estate at Alta. I will always think of him when I’m there. I’m really sad for our community that we have lost him. My heart extends warm love to you, Kristin, and Gregg’s children and dear friends. Part of his legacy is how supportively Gregg’s community has come together to comfort one another. He would have done the same. He was a wonderful human.
You are so missed. I still can't believe you are not at Alta , and not on the slopes. Heartbreaking.
I went to HS with Greg then went to Utah for college. We had some laughs together over the years skiing and just having fun. RIP, Greg.
Thank you and heartfelt hugs to everyone who contributed to capturing the essence of Gregg’s vibrant, joyful spirit through your picture video. This tribute has given those of us who had not seen Gregg in some time the precious opportunity to reconnect with his memory and to celebrate a life truly well-lived. It is a source of deep sorrow for the family to lose such a remarkable soul. Gregg touched many lives, and I am just one among many who feel immense gratitude for having experienced his jovial nature and light-hearted demeanor. Although our encounters may not have been frequent, each meeting with Gregg left an enduring impression, often bringing about laughter that lingered long after we parted ways!! My deepest sympathies go out to Gregg’s family—Kristin, Sean, and Krystal. He’ll now have endless powder days. Heather Palumbo (Eugene's "Gino" wife)
My Friend the Builder My friend, my friend for forty-five years We met in the dorms, two souls with no fears We bonded over music, skiing and having fun but struggled together with chemistry 101 Soon after college, my friend headed home But Jersey couldn’t keep him, the boy had to roam The draw of the mountains was too much to resist I knew he’d be back, he sure was missed. He returned to Utah with Della, Sean and Ronnie And started to build, like intricate origami He built buildings and gatherings and loved a good gaggle His friendships they lasted, were nurtured and substantial We both had breakups that were quite an endeavor We were roommates for a year, which brought us together We worked out our lives in late night scenarios As Gregg savored his “bowl of cheerios” I’ll cherish our Mountain bike trip to Italy where Gregg, Like Gregg, befriended locals, so skillfully I’ll cherish the Hootenanny in San Francisco Strangers and hippies, and definitely no disco As fate would have it, Kristin moved in next door The love of his life, now the adventures were more I’ll cherish the camping, the music, the riding, the ladies Book Club, when we’d meet in hiding. I miss Gregg, and I miss who I am around him I yearn to plan another trip with Gregg, plan another time To meet with my friend for auld lang syne The memories are vast, the pictures will last But sadly we’ll miss that smile and laugh The rhymes are harder to find now, I’m a bit off kilter My friend’s not here, my friend the builder My friend’s not here. My friend, my friend
I only had the chance to meet Greg for about an hour, but that was more than enough to know the world was a better place with him in it. His great smile and kindness made him unforgettable, even in such a short time. I send my deepest condolences and prayers to his family. I’m sure everyone who knew him feels blessed to have had Greg in their life.
In Loving Memory
