Van W Riales

Van W. Riales, born on April 19, 1959, and passed away on March 25, 2024, leaves behind a legacy of passion and integrity. Born to Jacob Riales and Mildred Webb Riales, he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Trezevant High School, graduating in 1977. On October 18, 2002, he married Bobbie Jean Carnell in Oxford, Mississippi.

Van dedicated much of his career to Allied Graphics in Memphis, Tennessee, where he worked as a typesetter. However, his true passion lay in music, particularly playing lead guitar. From the age of 16, he was deeply involved in various bands, and even after relocating to Tucson in 2004, he continued to pursue his love for music. In Tucson, he became a part of local bands such as the Freeze, Spanks, and the No Sand Beach Band.

While Van was spiritual, he did not align himself with any specific church in Tucson. He was known for his friendly demeanor, his unwavering hope, and his commitment to his ethical principles, even when they were unpopular.

Van was preceded in death by his father, Jacob Lenon Riales, and his niece, Lana Jenkins Griffith. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie J. Riales, his son, Christopher A. Riales, his mother, Mildred Riales, his sister, Carol Riales Jenkins, and his brothers, Lenon Riales, Randy Riales, and Brent Riales.

Van will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those he touched.