Patrick Wayne Rivera, age 56, entered into eternal peace after a brief illness Friday, August 31, 2018, he was affectionately known as Mr. Wayne.
He was born on February 25, 1962 to Ben and Della Rivera in Denver, CO and was raised in Trinidad, CO. Wayne was a kind and gentle person who was well liked and loved by many friends and family. He attended local schools and graduated from Trinidad High School in 1980. He then went on to Trinidad State Junior College obtaining his Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, following with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. Wayne achieved and accomplished his education while being a single father and raising his son. He currently was employed at the Department of Human Services and worked as an educator for a number of years for Trinidad School District #1, Rocky Mountain Head Start, and Trinidad State Junior College. He was also a tax preparer for H&R Block for many years.
Proceeding Wayne in death are his maternal grandparents Sam and Annie B Griego, his paternal grandparents Juan and Cecilia Rivera. Along with his brothers, Steven Rivera, Rick Rivera, Rudy Rivera, and nieces Laura Garcia, Crystal Rivera Sanchez and nephew Steven Gallegos.
Wayne is survived by his loving son Kurtis Wayne Rivera- Colorado Springs, CO. His parents Ben and Della Rivera – Trinidad, CO., brother Anthony Rivera – Colorado Springs, CO., sisters Louise and Tom Garcia – Trinidad, CO., Veronica (Chuy) Rivera – Colorado Springs, CO., Adele and Ted Abeyta – Trinidad, CO., sisters-in-law Shirley Rivera – Trinidad, CO., Mona Rivera – Albuquerque, NM., nieces Donna Garcia, Terese Garcia, Tommie Gomez, Melissa Rivera, Celeste Rivera Abeyta, Angel Abeyta and nephew Rick Rivera Jr., many uncles, aunts, great nieces, great nephews and other family members who were all special to Wayne. He will also be missed by his one of a kind, special friends Gerri Lucero, Deb Hartman, Betty Jo Madrid, Ronda Gonzales, and Dayton Romero.
Memorial Service for Wayne will be September 21, 2018 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10 AM in Trinidad, CO. Internment will follow at a later date.
Donations are being accepted for Wayne’s internment services. The family may be contacted (or donations sent to/dropped off) at 617 Vine Street, Trinidad, CO.
Wayne was a special, gentle soul who enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He had a special gift with children. I want to extend my condolences to Wayne’s family . You will be in my prayers.