DENNIS RIVERS

RIVERS, DENNIS
PATRICK 'BUTCH', 77
Dennis Patrick 'Butch' Rivers (77) April 24, 1940 - June 26th, 2017. Butch Rivers was born April 24th, 1940 in Omaha, NE to Jonny and Delma Rivers who had five children total. Soon afterwards they moved to Camdenton, MO where Jonny had the 'Golden Horse Ranch' and produced many Wild West shows and rodeos. Butch being the oldest son, was the star of many of Jonny's shows. He went on to have a brilliant solo career as a Roman Rider and horse trainer in the Lipizzan Stallion Show. He then moved to Ocala, Florida as a PRCA rodeo hand and contestant who also brought his golden palomino acts to many arenas across the country. A seasoned animal trainer and stuntman, he worked on many films and commercials over the years. He also trained (along side Glenn Randall) the original equine cast of Orlando's Arabian Nights. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), The International Stuntman's Association (ISA), and The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA).
He is survived by his sisters Sharon Hobbs and Nancy Capps, and brothers Bill Rivers and Tim Rivers. He was a great father with three daughters and a son, all with families of their own; daughters Kimiley Rivers, Tesha Frederick, Dawnita D'elia, and son Deke Rivers.
He passed quietly in his sleep June 26th, 2017 from complications of kidney failure. He made his mark on the world, and will surely be missed!