Riley Kai Clark-Walkner, age 28, was born on November 11, 1995, in Arcata to Jessica “Jessie” Burns and Joshua Clark. After a long battle with addiction, he died on September 28, 2024, in San Francisco.

Riley was a precocious and curious young toddler who was running around at 10 months of age and speaking multiple-word sentences at just over a year old. He was extremely active and was obsessed with building intricate Lego creations, an activity he shared with his siblings for many years.

Riley received his education in local Humboldt schools, where he completed his high school diploma and attended College of the Redwoods. Volunteering at a local church and working as a general laborer and custodian, Riley worked in many positions throughout Humboldt and Trinity County. Riley was an enthusiastic and hard worker. He often helped his grandmother stacking wood and shoveling snow, as well as any other task involving strength and determination.

A loving big brother to his younger siblings — Adam, Owen, and Scarlett — Riley also maintained close relationships with his godmother, as well as grandparents on both sides of his family. He was known for his infinite creativity and love for life, always envisioning a new plan or idea and consequently never failing to bring excitement to those around him. His genuine nature, off-the-cuff sense of humor, strong work ethic and immense love made him unforgettable.

Through his everyday interactions, Riley touched the hearts of the young and old in all walks of life, from teacher to neighbor to friend. He lived with passion and courage, taking time to connect with nature in the beautiful and limitless outdoors.

In this way, Riley’s heart and boundless spirit live on not only in the memories of all who knew him, but in the earth itself — in the roar of the ocean, the gentle redwood mist, the warmth of the mountain sun — his energy all-encompassing.

Riley is survived by his mother, Jessie Burns; his father, Joshua Clark; his siblings, Adam Walkner, Owen Burns, and Scarlett Burns; son, Wiley Clark; stepfather, Joseph Burns; his godmother, Ranee Kletchka; grandparents, Judy Walkner, Mike and Carolyn Walkner, Pamela Foster, Dan and Joanne Clark; great grandmother, Joyce Craig; nephew, Alexander “Ronnie” Walkner; aunts and uncles; Casey and Laura Walkner, Mica Clark and Mari Persson, Cicely Ames and Jaimal Kordes, Guy and Ashley Walkner, and Isaac Clark; cousins, Wylie and Coyle Walkner, Noah Clark, James Holbrooks, Darrell Holbrooks, and Bella Crawford; and great-nieces; Tatum, Baylee, and Callie Walkner. He is preceded in death by his proud paternal great-grandfather, Richard “Papa Frostie” Foster; paternal grandfather, Jack Jones; and paternal aunt, Arlo Christiansen.

Riley‘s family would like to express the sincerest gratitude to the many kind people who supported him in his journey. Special love and appreciation to Darby Rose Madrone for friendship, connection, and support throughout Riley’s life, particularly in his later years.

A celebration of life for Riley will be held on his birthday, November 11, 2024, at Samoa Beach at 11:11 a.m. All are welcome. We love you, Ri. Your beautiful spirit can now fly free from earthly constraints. We are blessed to have had you touch our lives on so many levels and in so many ways.

If you or someone you know is battling mental health and/or substance abuse issues, please contact:

SAMHSA’s NationalHelpline | SAMHSA

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Riley Clark-Walkner’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.