Mike (Miguel Julio) Rivera

In Memory of

MIKE (MIGUEL JULIO) RIVERA
July 8, 1935 — December 21, 2009

Dearest Mike:
Four years ago you flew into the arms of the angels. How do we tell your story? With tears and laughter – knowing that each of us was changed by knowing you… you were not religious, but oh you were so spiritual… you saw the good in everyone; you loved to meet new people and they went away having made a new friend. Santa Barbara was your home and you loved every part of it.

We celebrate you with JOY in our hearts; JOY because you gave JOY to so many by the little things you did; sharing the fruits of your gardening; visiting friends and family who could not drive; telling jokes, always smiling when I walked in the door from work.

In the words of Winnie the Pooh, “When you see someone putting on his BIG BOOTS, you can be sure that an adventure is going to happen.” Each day with you was an amazing adventure cradled by love. Thank you for the joyful memories we keep forever in our hearts.

Your loving wife, Marilou, and the entire Rivera Family