Fernando Rivera

September 17th, 2006

Memorial

Fernando Francisco Rivera, 63, a resident of Rio Rancho and former long time resident of Santa Fe & Taos, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 17, 2006. He was a former police chief for the town of Taos. He was born on October 2, 1942 in Taos to Gilbert and Maria Luisa Rivera. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Armando Rivera, Louis Rivera, and Antonio Rivera, sisters; Celina Rivera Martinez and Molly Rivera Ferguson, father in-law Joseph de la Cruz Ramirez, and brother in-law Robert Paul Ramirez. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Barbara Y. Rivera of Santa Fe & Rio Rancho, son Lt. Matthew Rivera of Florida, and daughter Collette Rivera Wyrick of Arizona. Grandchildren, Thomas & Drew Wyrick of Arizona, sisters, Senaida Vigil and husband Arthur of Taos, Magdalena Santistevan and husband Jim of Taos, Donna Hynes and husband Jim of Castro Valley, CA, and Maria Gallegos and husband Alex of Taos, mother in-law Doris Ramirez, brother in-law Michael Ramirez and wife Sandra, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Rosaries were recited on Sept. 20, 2006 at Rivera Chapel and on Sept. 21, 2006 at La Paloma Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Funeral mass was held on Sept. 22, 2006 St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe. Interment was held at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Tributes

Freddien & Susan Arellano

He will be greatly missed by us and our daughter kailye who learned to start playing the harmonica from fernando. Kailye really enjoyed his and barbara's company. The Ramirez-Arellano's

Published September 19th, 2006

Arthur E. Vargas

This morining my mother, Martha Vargas, told me of Fernando's passing. Shiela McCarthy told me of his illness about a month ago when I met her by chance at the raspberry ranch in Mora County. I was shocked to say the least. Such a dynamic, strong, decent, hard working and fun-filled guy. He will be missed, deeply missed. I was friends with his whole family, starting with his parents. Fernando and I went to Taos High School. He went to the Marines in early 1961; I to the Air Force later the same year. At time like this one is at a loss for what more to say. He was a good friend to me and always treated me very well. God bless him and his.

Published September 21st, 2006