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Orlando A. Rivera Ph.D.

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University of Utah

Orlando Rivera Obituary

Orlando A. Rivera, Ph.D. 1930 ~ 2006 Orlando A. Rivera was born in La Jara, Colorado. He attended elementary school in La Jara and high school in Alamosa. He received his Bachelors degree from Adam State College, and his Masters Degree and Ph.D. from the University of Utah. His first jobs were as a sheepherder and in the fields. He served in the US Army in Germany. After receiving his Master degree he worked as a rehabilitation counselor with persons with disabilities for the state of Utah. He then went to the University of Utah where he was the coordinator of the Rehabilitation Counselor Training Program. He was also an Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. He served in various community organizations including SOCIO, the Institute for Human Resource Development, LULAC, Utah Council de La Raza, Chicano Scholarship fund, Chicano Student Association, El Ateneo Universitario, Utah Governor's Office of Hispanic Affairs and others. He also served on the Boards for Intermountain Health Care, Utah State Department of Social Services, Utah Manpower Planning Council, Salt Lake City Personnel Review Board, Utah Humanities Council, and others. Dr. Rivera served a two and one half year LDS mission to Mexico, as Bishop of the Lucero Ward and later with his wife in the Mexico City Temple Presidency and an Inner City Mission in Salt Lake City. On October 29, 2004 he received the C‚zar Chavez Peace and Justice Award. He is the husband of Irene Rivera Martinez and has four children Arturo, Patricia (Patrick) Lucero, George (Heidi), and Selena (Justin) Berg. He has eight grandchildren: Cecily, Camille, Arturo, Benjamin, Spencer, Jacob, Joseph and Madeline. A sincere thank you to Utah Heart Failure Clinic, Dr. Renlund, Dr. Anne Pendo and Dr. Crandall for all the love, care, respect and family support. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 16, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 E. Bonneview Dr. (1050 South). Friends and family may call from 6-8 on Wednesday and Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S. Highland Drive and again one hour prior to the services on Thursday.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Advance on Feb. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Orlando Rivera

16 Entries

Judy Sampson

March 2, 2006

Patti and family, so sorry I wasn't able to attend any services, I was out of town, he was one of my favorite patients. You're a great family.

Bernice Martinez Comstock

February 22, 2006

Orlando had a big influence in my life and I'm so grateful for knowing him and learning from him. He was a mentor and friend while I was a young student struggling to get my bachelor's degree at the University of Utah. I also had the opportunity to work for him while he was a vice president at the university. He was warm, patient, and enjoyed a good laugh. He truly believed in advancing the education of many of us Chicano students with his encouragement and influence. He had corazon and his spirit will live on with me. He taught me to use my education toward the betterment of the community I live in. I send my condolences to Irene and the family.

Lynn Shawcroft

February 16, 2006

I just learned of Orlando's passing. My name is Lynn Shawcroft and I was born in La Jara, Colorado, one year earlier

than he was, so I have known him all my life. We also served at the same time as missionaries in Mexico and we both attended Adams State College. The Rivera family can be proud of your heritage and for the many accomplishments of your husband, father and grandfather.

Respectfull and with love.

Lynn Shawcroft

Robert Berg

February 16, 2006

To a loving Man that made use feel welcome in their home.

Eduardo Alba

February 16, 2006

Irene, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Orlando is a great man that touched many lives for good. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

For many of us, he was an inspiration and a role model that will forever be ingranined in our memory and thoughts.

Know that our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Jose Chavez & Family

February 15, 2006

Our thoughts and condolences go to Irene and family. Orlando was a great mentor of mine and of many others. He touched many hearts with his wisdom. No bond was greater than with his son Arturo. What a special time it is being reunited again. May God bless Orlando and his family.

Paul Evans

February 15, 2006

I first Dr. Rivera at a conference were he talked about the history of the Spanish influence, Mexican Culture, and current events that influenced the Western United States. I was very impressed and learned a lot about my heritage and history that I hold dear to me now. Yet as I got to know him, I learned about his generosity, kindness, understanding, and good nature that had a greater influence on my life. I always hope I can live up to his fine example and influence in helping my students.

Chuck Gregg

February 14, 2006

Orlando was a trusted colleague and a dear friend. We both served on the faculty at The University of Utah where we taught and supervised students who were enrolled in the Rehabilitation Counselor Graduate Training Program. I will truly miss our wonderful talks. Orlando certainly opened my eyes to the true meaning of culture and standing up for your own beliefs.

James & Angela, Monique & Matthew Torres

February 14, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Orlando was always so unconditionally accepting of all who crossed his path. We will truly miss his stories at the family reunions.

Glenda Pruemper

February 14, 2006

My sincere sympathy to the family. I worked with Orlando for several years until he left the U and I always felt special in his company. He had a way of making you feel at ease. May God be with you and your family.

Debbie Matheson

February 14, 2006

We would like you to know that we are thinking about you at this difficult time. We will surely miss Orlando and the strong testimony that he shares with us in Sacrament Meeting. He has touched our hearts and souls. We value the friendships of the Lucero and Rivera family and wish for you to soon find comfort in the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather.

Robin Staples

February 14, 2006

Dr. Rivera, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Love, Robin Staples (SLC, UT and Las Vegas, NV OHA)

Gloria Hernandez

February 14, 2006

Dear Rivera Family,

I felt sad in many ways when I heard about Orlando. I also felt jealous to think that he was visiting with my dad once again. Orlando will always hold a special place in our hearts. He was always very cheerful to be around. He always remembered to ask about our whole family. I will cherish the photos he sent to us in the mail. He was so sweet to make trips to check on my mother when he didn't feel that good himself. We will greatly miss him! Always remember how much he loved you and how proud he was of his family. May the Lord comfort you in your time of sorrow. We love you. Manuel and Gloria Rae Hernandez

Glen & Billie Jones

February 14, 2006

As neighbors and friends, we are grateful that we had a chance to know Orlando. He was a very thoughtful and kind man. We love his family and know they will miss, as we will, this wonderful man...

Ted and Charlotte Jacobsen

February 14, 2006

The earth has lost a gentle and good man. Our love and sympathy to Irene and the family.

Louis & Jennifer &Josh Torres

February 14, 2006

Our sincere condolences upon hearing of your loss. I have always admired Orlando for his honesty and intergrity. He was a life long example to me as a grew up.

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