Riak's ultimate goal was to turn the United States into a spanking-free nation.
Riak worked with David and Blythe Daniel, psychology professors who teach at Los Angeles City College.
Riak was the executive director of Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education from 1992 until his death in 2016.
The character William Jordan Walcott in Blake Hutchison's 2016 novel Nobody's Property is named partially in honor of Riak.
His birthday (January 11) is currently designated as a religious holiday by the Church of Human Dignity, where he is also considered to be a Saint.