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Richard Rivas Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rivas
Sponsored by A loving family member. .
Ron Rodriguez
June 22, 2015
I was thinking about Richard today. I guess he found me. I lived across the hall from Richard in Penland Hall at Baylor during our first year there back in 1977. He was studious and I knew he would one day be a great and compassionate doctor. The guest book entries attest to that. I saw Richard's family pictures here and his smile brought a smile to my face, just like the old days. I am sad, but know that he touched many lives as a true family man, friend and physician. Richard left us too soon, but I am assured that the Lord is taking good care of him as He always has and always will. Rest in peace brother Richard and prayers sent to the Rivas family for the loss of their loved one.
Mel Huebner
February 20, 2015
To the entire Rivas Family. Richard was a friend and roommate of mine in medical school. I remember his big heart, ever present smile, and his hearty laugh. From all the letters and pictures I could tell he loved his family and his work as a neonatologist. I just learned recently of his passing from our medical school newsletter. May God's truth, love and peace comfort you all.
George Hutchison
January 26, 2015
Richard was a friend whom I have known since medical school. He was a kind and compassionate man and physician. His passing is a loss for the medical community and his patients.
Hutch
Jorge Garcia
April 6, 2014
Dr. Rivas gave care to my daughter for a couple of months. Born at 1lb 13ozs a year after we lost our other son Caleb, I was devastated with no hope. He brought a sense of comfort I can't put into words. It wasn't just him, it was the team he built in the NICU that made a world of difference. As a 35 year old man, he was like a father figure that would comfort me and tell me things would be OK. "There are good days, and there are great days". I use that quote to this day. To his wife and children, I am truly sorry. I assure you your Dad/husband went to work everyday and made a difference, which most people can only hope for. I am truly sorry for your loss. People like him are irreplaceable.
Nancy Griffin
January 12, 2014
I worked at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands for 7 years. When I began working in the Nursery, there were only 2 NICU beds and I saw many changes as growth occurred. When Dr. Rivas came, we all felt as if we had known him for years. He was an amazing, gifted doctor and he was a warm, caring human being. He talked a lot about Kristen and I was amazed that he kept such close contact with her even though she lived so far away. When he spoke of his baby girls and his wife and seemed to beam with pride. While working there, my oldest son committed suicide and 3 years later, my husband divorced me, causing me to leave my wonderful friends at Memorial Hermann. Three years later, a tornado destroyed my home and I was interviewed by local news channels. I couldn't believe it when Dr. Rivas called me, after seeing the News, to see if there was anything he could do to help. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known and I am honored to have called him a great teacher and friend. I know that he and Mother Mary are caring for all of those tiniest of Angels where there are no more tears, no more pain. God Bless you, Dr. Rivas.
Emily Laila Gutierrez 7/22/13 10lbs :)
Christina Gutierrez
November 20, 2013
We are so sad to hear the devastating news of Dr. Rivas passing. He took great care of our miracle baby Emily. He released her to us at only 4lbs since she had been doing great. He trusted we would take great care of her. I'm honored to have met him and helped us through our time in the NICU. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you Dr. Rivas!
Debbie Frazier
November 20, 2013
Bernadette,
I am just learning of Richard's death, and reading through teary eyes. Dr. Rivas was so eager to teach when I was so eager to learn! I am forever grateful that I was fortunate enough to work with him early in my Nursing career at Houston NW. He was a gift to NICU. I am praying for you, Kristen, Victoria and Mary ... Praying for comfort and peace from above. Debbie Frazier
Tracy Best Hardin
November 19, 2013
To Bernadette & her beautiful girls,
I'm so terribly sorry to hear that Mr. Rivas passed. I always felt blessed to watch your girls and to know you both. Not only was he a wonderful family man but an amazing Doctor. I wish I would've heard of this sooner so I would've been able to pay my respects.
Lots of love and prayers to all of you,
Tracy (Best) Hardin
November 19, 2013
This is a devastating loss to the NICU, his family and friends. He was smart, passionate and had a great sense of humor, always looking for the positive side of things.... He will be greatly missed by all. I spent 3 1/2 months in the NICU with my 26 week old preemie. Because of him and his team she is 19 months old today .... May you rest in Peace Dr. Rivas!
Michelle Hilderbrand
Lora
November 19, 2013
No words can describe how devistating this loss is to the NICU community. As a previous Life Flight employee I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Rivas during many of the neonatal transport flights we were a part of. His dedication to the patient was immeasurable, his compassion was evident and his amazing smile put everyone at east when he was around.
May the family take comfort in the fact that those who worked with him, were around him and had a chance to be a part of his vision and dream are better people because of who he was and what he taught us.
May peace surround you during this difficult time. Dr. Rivas will be forever a part of each person's life that he touched!!
Bonnie Sunseri
November 9, 2013
Dr. Richard Rivas was a wonderful man and doctor who will be greatly missed. He took wonderful care of my miracle Preemie Baby Princess Catherine in TW NICU this past June. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. Your memory will live on in TW NiCU
Mike Hackman
November 3, 2013
you made this world a better place.
November 1, 2013
I am so sad to hear about Dr. Rivas' passing. He was the head of the NICU at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands when my twin granddaughters were born 8 weeks premature in 2007. He stopped and took the time to tell me about a possible serious issue with one of them. He was so loving of all his preemies. You could see the love in his eyes for these babies, sometimes very sick. What a wonderful Doctor, human being he was. My sincere sorrow for his family's loss. I too am a member as St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands. He should be nominated for Humanitarian of the Year. Incredible person. Sandra Edwards, The Woodlands, TX
Edina, Wesley, Rebecca, & Nathan Colburn
October 31, 2013
Dear Rivas Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Dr. Rivas' passing. We met him when my daughter was born and he took great care of her for the three months she was in the NICU at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands. I think of him often. He was a kind and gentle soul. He was so good to us as parents, helping us deal with a tough situation with kind words, a smile and laughter. He even signed our daughter's baby book when she was released. Thank you for sharing him with us in our time of need. Prayers for him and the family.
Craig, Diana, and Taylor Vance
October 29, 2013
Bird and family- We're so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 24, 2013
Richard was a wonderful person. He was always so positive. We just loved when he would come visit the shop and ride with us.
He is in the top ten of truly great people here on this earth.
Helen and Hans Schneider
October 24, 2013
So very saddened by the news of Richard's passing. Though many years have passed I will always remember the love you shared with him and your girls. He was so kind, compassionate, talented, with a great sense of humor, just like your own. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and all your famiy. Love, Sarah Dwight
Dwight & Cathy Moody
October 23, 2013
Cathy and I both miss Richard terribly. Cathy was always adamant about how Richard was the best boss she ever had, and I was so glad she got to work with him these many years. It was not long enough. We both grieve with you. If there's anything you need or want at all, please do not hesitate to call, day or night.
Gladis Monarca
October 22, 2013
Our prayers are with the Rivas family. He was an excellent doctor. You will be missed but remembered as a great human being.
Eleanor Romanelli
October 22, 2013
Bernadette and Family -
Our deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. May Richard's joyful spirit and your special memories of him give you comfort in your time of sorrow. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherri Woodburn
October 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of need.
Sherri
William and Linda Bippus
October 22, 2013
We send you love and prayers. He was such a wonderful, loving, genuine man. Our hearts ache for his family and the community losing such a special person. His compassion for babies and their families was just amazing.
Nadia Merchant
October 21, 2013
Dear Bernadette & Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. There are no words to express the sorrow felt by so many. Dr. Rivas was an amazing man, he was truly an inspiration to every life he touched.
I was blessed to have spent my childhood running around him at Houston Northwest from being his santa's helper to him giving my first job in the medical field. He inspired me to become a nurse, so I could work alongside with amazing physicians just like him. In the 24 years that I knew him he never was too busy for a chat when I came by the hospital to visit, and continued to push me to become the best nurse I could be.
The memories he's given to so many people makes him immortal..he'll continue to live on through the work he so loved by the people who loved and cherished him as a boss/mentor/friend.
Lots of love and prayers for you all.
Hallie Bier
October 21, 2013
Doc Rivas took care of our twins, Matthew and Emily during their 2 month NICU stay at MHTW. We are forever grateful for his medical knowledge and caring heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man!
The Bier Family
Catie MacKrell
October 21, 2013
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your brother, husband, and father. Heaven surely shines a little brighter now. I pray that you all may feel the warmth of God's embrace through your loss, and His love always.
Christine Learman
October 21, 2013
What a Wonderful man Richard was. I know that he will be deeply missed by all those who were blessed enough to know him. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
Chuck Cain
October 21, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Sherry Rush
October 21, 2013
Dear Rivas family,
Words can not express how sad we are of Dr. Rivas passing. We have seen comments referring to him being a gentle giant and a compassionate man. These descriptions are so true.
Our grandson was born 8 years ago with Brittle bone disease. After many consults with different doctors, my daughter and son-in-law decided to come back to their original OB doctor and deliver at Memorial Hermann. "Baby Jack" was born and was taken care of by Dr Rivas. There was one day that Jack took a turn for the worse and we were all called in to talk to Dr. Rivas. He explained things in a compassionate way and answered questions. He then left the room. I had walked out of the room for a minute and passed his office. I saw this "gentle giant" crying quietly. My heart was touched. This man truly loved and felt his job in a unique way.
Our hearts are sad and hurt for this family. We truly will miss seeing this man. May God bless you and be with you through this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Gary and Sherry Rush
Ken Sheldon
October 20, 2013
As soon as you met Richard, you wanted him for your friend. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be deeply missed.
October 20, 2013
Berd and girls,
The world became a little less good on October 16th. Your husband/Dad was one of the most decent,compassionate people we've ever known. His smile was ever present and his heart was enormous.
Jim,Lori,Kelly,Molly and Libby.
Boo Hagerty
October 20, 2013
Bernadette and Family
We learned of your tragedy from my brother Adrian Hagerty - words cannot express our hearfelt sorrow. Obviously our prayers will continue for all of you throughout the difficult and challenging times ahead. We can only hope the wonderful memories you have all created will live deep in your hearts forever.
Aimee and Boo Hagerty and Family
Erie, PA
Randy and Crystal Brown
October 20, 2013
We feel very privileged to have called this wonderful man our friend for so many years. The entire Rivas family is gracious, humble, loving, caring and devout in their faith, and we know Richard and Berd worked together to create that circle of love. We've always loved their tremendous partnership and demonstration of enthusiasm for everything they do. God's Kingdom is blessed to welcome such a fabulous man into His loving arms, and we will sorely miss Doc every day. Until we meet again dear friend...
October 20, 2013
"May God bless his soul." Michael Manuele {Yonkers,New York}
Jill Barber
October 20, 2013
We are so saddened to hear about Richard's passing. Dr. Rivas helped bring my first born into the world and we will never forget his compassionate and caring ways. He has touched so many lives in our community and beyond. Your family has been lifted up in prayer now and always. --The Barber Family, Phil, Jill, Blake and Reed
Alan and Sarah Przybyla
October 20, 2013
We're eternally grateful to Dr. Rivas and are heartsick to learn of his passing. We were fortunate to have gotten to know him well over the course of our preemie twins' 47 day NICU stay. He was especially a hero to one of our preemie sons during a brief, critical period and thus to our entire family. We'll never forget his many acts of warmth and how much he truly cared! As a deeply worried and stressed-to-the max NICU mother, I can't begin to tell you what it meant to me to receive word from Dr. Rivas, in the middle of the night, that my son had turned the corner and was doing well. He always went above and beyond the call of duty for us! Such a sweet man with a giant heart and evergreen smile whose empathy was matched equally by the depth and breadth of his medical knowledge---what a refreshing and effectual combination! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a rare gift of a person who made a huge impact in a relatively short period of time. Our lives are forever better having known him! He will be deeply missed.
Leah Bertsch
October 20, 2013
Dr Rivas took care of our twins just over two years ago during their 7 week stay. An amazing doctor and an amazing man! He will be missed! -Bertsch Family
Juanita Garcia
October 20, 2013
I met Dr. Rivas at the Woodlands Memorial Hermann Hospital where my grandbaby Emma Rose was born. The day she was to be released from NICU was the day he had his accident. It was a day of celebration but a day of sadness. My son Jorge and him had so many conversations about Texas A & M where his daughter was attending and where my son graduated from. When Jorge would ask him what kind of day Emma had had that day, he was eternally optimistic. "Well they are some good days and then there are some great days." He was so devoted to the care of these babies, but I guess God needed a special angel to take care of his babies in heaven. May God Bless his family and give them the support and strength to overcome their grief and put their faith in him.
Scott and Julie Kendall
October 20, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Richard, you and the girls are such a special family. We will always remember how kind, friendly and loving Richard was. He was definitely a special man.
Julie & Scott
Susan Jadlowski
October 20, 2013
Please accept my heart felt condolences. I worked with Richard for many years at HNMC. Very recently I gave him a call because I had a New born grandchild that needed great help. He quickly responded and met us around midnight at The Woodlands NICU. Richard is by far the most compassionate physician I have met. May God grant your family peace.
October 19, 2013
Bernadette, Kristen, Victoria and Mary,
We are very saddened by the loss of Richard. The world lost a very loving and compassionate Doctor, husband and father. We are praying for you everyday.
Karen and Greg Raley
The Woodlands
Jim & Rebecca Robertson
October 19, 2013
Such a lovely man, so tragic and shocking that he died doing one of the things he loved. He has already been lifted up, we are praying for you.
Susan Blauvelt
October 19, 2013
So very saddened by the loss.
October 19, 2013
Bernadette and Girls, thinking of you every day!!! We are so sorry for your lost. Richard will be missed by so much people, friends, babies!!! He was a special man...He will always watch over you and stay alive in our hearts.
Eva,Natalie,Thomas Houle
Julie Melagrano
October 19, 2013
We are so sorry for your great loss. The pictures of you all are so beautiful.
We are praying for you all everyday.
Love cousin ,
Julie , anthony and joey
Colleen Helz
October 19, 2013
Dear Berd, Victoria, and Mary,
The world lost a beautiful and caring human being when Richard passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray the Good Lord grants you the strength to get through this. You have an angel watching over you from heaven, as I am sure that is where he is now.
Tracy Cassady
October 19, 2013
Bernadette & Girls,
My heart aches for your loss. Please know you're in my prayers.
Viren Balsara
October 19, 2013
Richard was my best friend and we worked closely at the hospital. A few days ago I was thanking him for his friendship and his support when I said to him that his love and generosity is so overwhelming that it would be a life time for me to pay him back. I guess it will take me many lifetimes ! Richard my friend I will see you in Heaven.
Maureen Teuscher
October 19, 2013
Dear Bernardette, Victoria, Mary and Kristen,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you!
With great respect and love,
Friederich & Maureen Teuscher
•Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy. -Author Unknown
Lloyd Boyd
October 19, 2013
Doc you will be missed. Prayers to Berd and the family.
October 19, 2013
I pray for peace and comfort for the Rivas family and the memorial Hermann NICU family. Dr Rivas was a great man to work for in the NICU and also blessed our lives by caring for my premature twins. He we be greatly missed, forever remembered and appreciated
With sorrow
Amanda Nacey and Family
October 18, 2013
Bernadette,
I am so so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. I have such fond memories of Richard watching his girls play tennis over the years. May God grant you, Victoria, Mary and Kristen peace and courage to face the days ahead and wonderful loving memories of Richard to forever hold in your hearts.
Karen Rabson
Maddie, Meritt, Macey and Will
Joan Duncan
October 18, 2013
So Sorry for your loss.I worked with Dr.Rivas at HNWMC many years ago.I can truly say he was a very compassionate and a great doctor to have worked with.
Bill O'Sullivan
October 18, 2013
Richard and Bird were wonderful neighbors in the friendliest of neighborhoods. He was a big man but his love for kids dwarfed his size. This is a terrible loss to both the Medical and The Woodlands Community.
Stacey
October 18, 2013
Dr Rivas was my Son's Neonatologist almost 18 years ago at Houston Northwest. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with him as a NICU Nurse and as an Onsite Case Manager. He will be missed by everyone. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I pray that his caring and kindness will live on in all of the souls that he touched.
Richard Jane Marguerite Szamborski
October 18, 2013
My dear cousin Bernadette, Kristen, Victoria, Mary and Family,
We mourn by your side
There are no tears in heaven
They exsist here on earth.
Your loss is heavens gain.
Richard was called as hard
As it is to grasp
Richard soared to most majestic
Mountain where he will guard
And protect you in all your ways
When you are very quiet he will
Always come to you
This you must believe
Richard is with
All the preenies that God
Called as Angels
We know he is holding
Our Matthew and all
The little Angel's.
To live in the hearts
Of others is not to die.
Love and Light,
Richard, Jane and Marguerite
October 18, 2013
To the Rivas family: Dr. Rivas was one of the most humble physicians that I have met, he was a gentle giant with those precious little babies. My heart aches at this premature death. May God give you all peace somehow.
Laura Rich
October 18, 2013
Dr. Rivas was our sons' neonatologist almost five years ago at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands. We are forever grateful to him for our son's lives and will always remember him.
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