originally posted on 5/8/2020
Photo: Joel Brewton-Riling Collection.
View full-sized image.
In this time of terrible losses, ACE Western Pennsylvania has another to report: Ken Riling-Brewton died on April 21 of a heart attack. He left behind a husband, family members, co-workers, friends and his fellow coaster enthusiasts who were stunned by this sudden and unexpected loss.
Ken was a pharmacist by trade, a talented photographer and gardener, a strong supporter of ACE and of his many friends. Born May 6, 1964, Ken graduated from St. Thomas High School in Braddock and Duquesne University’s School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh. His first job was at McKeesport Hospital, and he spent his entire career with the UPMC health system.
He loved to ride roller coasters and to photograph them, and ACE has benefited from the many photos he shared, both in ACE publications and in displays at regional events such as CoasterBash! Ken also donated a number of photos of coasters and western Pennsylvania parks to the archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center. He was an active member of ACE Western Pennsylvania and hardly ever missed a regional event. Ken also attended some ACE Coaster Cons, national ACE conferences and the 2013 ACE Central Europe Trip and ACE UK! 2015 tour.
Ken’s generosity extended beyond sharing photos. At regional events he often bid on auction items, and in addition to the extensive collection of amusement park model rides in his home, he had a Phantom’s Revenge car and Log Jammer boat, both acquired through auctions.
When the assistant regional rep and former ACE events director, Gary Baker, died in 2009, Ken offered his home as a storage place for Gary’s amusement-related possessions until they could be sorted. If Ken had not been willing to provide storage and a place for a large team of volunteers to go through it, Gary’s extensive collection might have been lost. Instead, some items were able to be donated to the ACE Archives, and a number of shirts and countless other things were given to the region's Preservation Fund Sales Table, where they were sold to raise money for ACE.
Also a musician, Ken studied organ and even played at his commencement ceremony at Duquesne. He was an organist and visiting organist at several churches in the area and sang in a church choir. Through a Penn State extension course, Ken became a master gardener, and his skills were obvious from the landscaping in his yard. He also volunteered his gardening skills at several churches and the Wilmerding Community Center.
Ken is seen here with husband-to-be Joel during the ACE Central Europe tour.
Photo: Joel Brewton-Riling Collection.
View full-sized image.
Ken is survived by his husband, Joel Brewton-Riling, whom he married at Kennywood in July 2019; his mother, Mary Lou; a brother, Jim; and other relatives. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
— Lee Ann Draud
ACE Publications Director
@#$%&!
#ACENews