William Robert Riel

William Robert Riel, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Bill was born on October 7, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to his parents Raymond and Charlotte Riel. He was the youngest of four children. At the age of two Bill’s mother and siblings moved to California. His mother later married Arlie Knight when Bill was five years old. He attended Longfellow Elementary, Emerson Jr High, and Bakersfield High School where he was very active in swimming and basketball. It was in high school where he met the love of his life Crillene Winters. Bill and Crillene were married on June 15, 1952, and together they raised their five children Bills father, Arlie, opened Knight’s Watch Shop in 1948. Bill started work at Knight’s in 1951. In 1973, Bill took on the family business after his father’s sudden passing. Bill recognized the potential of the business and gradually expanded its offerings beyond watches to include jewelry and precious stones. His dedication led him to become a certified goldsmith. In 1978, the store was renamed Knight’s Jewelers, reflecting its evolution. Alongside Crillene and their second oldest son, Brian, Bill successfully managed the business from 1973 until his retirement in 2021. Throughout his life Bill was always very creative. From sketching and painting to ultimately making custom fishing lures in the garage with lead weights, paint and glitter. How proud he was when he would pull in a large Ling cod off the Morro Bay coast while using his custom lures. Bill loved to fish and camp. He started the “Riel Annual” camping trip in 1983. Each year in the fall, the family and a few close friends would trek to a far-off destination to be together, enjoy the outdoors and to see who took home the prized trophy for the biggest fish. Bill also loved to play cards, cribbage and particularly pinochle, with their besties Mike and Netta Yaeck. Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years Crillene, son David (Pam), son Brian (Carrie), daughter Christine (Robert), daughter Ann (Michael), son Michael (Luis). Also surviving “Papa” are his grandchildren Jonathan (Jeannine), Benjamin (Nicole), Courtney (Devin), Elise, Christopher (Kelli), Cailan (Kelly), Nathan (Kennedy), Neiman (Gabbie), Jacob, Noah (Rafaela), Lauren (Pete), Maris, Dalton, Andrew, Kyralisa. His great grandchildren are Hazel, Violet, Kelly, Abbey, Stevie, Camila, and Brooks. Bill is preceded in death by his mother and father Charlotte and Arlie Knight, his brother Lyle, and his sisters Marilyn and Marjorie. Bill was a man of his word. He was committed to God and his family. He was always serving and inspiring others with his consistent work ethic and integrity. Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus #977. Thank you to Bakersfield Community Healthcare and Around the Clock Care. Special thanks Adriana, Sophia, Alex, Dolores, Patty, Michelle and many others for caring for him with such kindness and compassion. The Funeral will be held at 10:00 am, April 23, 2025, at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (12300 Reina Road) Graveside to follow mass at Green Lawn Southwest (2739 Panama Lane) In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Charities. Tah Dah!

William Robert Riel

October 7, 1933 - April 12, 2025

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William Robert Riel

October 7, 1933 - April 12, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

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