Robert Seal 'Bob' Rizley, a retired federal judge and philanthropic leader, died on Tuesday, October 31, 2006. He was 83. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church under the direction of Ninde Woodland Funeral Home. Inurnment in the church's columbarium will take place prior to the service. Rizley was born June 11, 1923 in Guymon, Oklahoma to Ross and Ruby Rizley. The fourth of their seven children, Rizley graduated from Guymon High School and began his studies as an English and history major at the University of Oklahoma. He graduated there in 1949 and entered law school at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1953. His studies at both universities were interrupted by service as a Marine Corps officer, first in World War II and then the Korean War. Rizley came to Tulsa to work for Skelly Oil in 1953 and two years later was appointed Assistant United States Attorney and then United States Attorney for the Northern district. He started a private law practice in 1961 and practiced with the firm until appointed United States Magistrate for the Northern district of Oklahoma in 1977. Judge Rizley returned to private practice in 1985 until his retirement from Hall Estill in August, 2000. Rizley was a former president of the Tulsa Tennis Club and twice served as President of Tulsa Opera. He also was a member of the Opera's Emeritus Board of Directors. He was a member of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Music Department and as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee. Other affiliations during his lifetime were Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa County Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association and The Tulsa Club. Rizley was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Sarkeys Foundation in 1975. During his 31-year tenure Rizley served on the investment and executive committees, and also as the Foundation's president. He felt fortunate to be a member of the Foundation and the trustees recently established the Robert S. Rizley Opera Education Endowment Fund at Tulsa Opera to honor his service on the board and his passion for opera and education. In May 2004, Rizley and fellow trustee Joe Morris were inducted into the Tulsa Historical Society's Hall of Fame. [Living individual's names omitted] Friends are making memorial contributions to the Robert S. Rizley Opera Education Endowment Fund, Sojourn Care Hospice, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church or the charity of their choice.
Published in The Oklahoman on 11/5/2006.