Luis Miguel Rivadeneira Alvarez

September 15, 1981 - May 24, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Luis Miguel Rivadeneira Alvarez, 43, who left us on May 24, 2025, in Big Bear Lake, California. Luis was a devoted father, cherished companion, and supportive best friend who touched countless lives through his unwavering dedication to service, community, and his infectious happy-go-lucky spirit.
Born in Ecuador on September 15, 1981, Luis came to the United States and was raised in Big Bear, California, where he graduated high school before answering the call to serve his adopted country. As a former U.S. Army Sergeant, Luis served with honor, dedication, and fearless courage through three tours of duty. His commitment to protecting others continued throughout his civilian career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Cal Fire, and the Forest Service HeliTAC unit, where he consistently put his life on the line to protect our communities and forests.
A disabled veteran, Luis remained deeply committed to supporting his fellow servicemen and women as a dedicated supporter of the local American Legion. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Legit Labeling, a local shop where he helped businesses shine through branded merchandise. Always eager to help local business owners grow with his branding expertise.
What made Luis truly special was his happy-go-lucky personality and his ability to remain grounded and calm in most situations. Keeping his cool, not letting stress overwhelm him, but bringing peace and positivity to those around him. In recent years, Luis embraced personal development and committed himself to health and fitness, taking long hikes, adopting an abandoned puppy "BullDozer" and connecting with the earth through grounding practices. He was dedicated to finding balance in body, mind and spirit. Inspiring self-improvement to those who were closest to him.
Luis lived life to the fullest, embracing adventure in all its forms. Whether he was surfing, snowboarding, racing RC cars, riding his OneWheel, capturing moments with his drone, or creating content, Luis approached every activity with infectious enthusiasm. He was equally at home on mountain trails during his beloved hiking adventures or sharing stories and laughter with friends at Murray's Bar in Big Bear.
Above all, Luis was known for his generous heart, his commitment to community, and his ability to jump in to help when the situation arose. He dedicated his life to serving others - from his military service to protecting our forests, from supporting local veterans to helping businesses succeed. His legacy is one of courage, service, and an unwavering zest for life.
Luis is survived by his loving girlfriend and best friend of three and a half years, Renae Casasanta; his three children, including Jazzlin, 15; Juliet, 6; Jerard, 3; his younger brother, Samuel Randazzo; and countless friends and community members whose lives he enriched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. In keeping with Luis's spirit, the gathering will be a joyful celebration focusing on the laughter, love, and adventure he brought to all our lives.
In lieu of flowers and cards, donations may be made to a memorial jar in Luis's honor.
"His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, in the communities he protected, and in the adventures yet to be shared in his memory."