Harold Salomon Rivera

Harold Salomon Rivera; known by his family as Dad, Grandpa, Papa, brother and uncle, passed away the evening of November 6, 2012 at Lander Valley Medical Center in Lander Wyoming. Harold was born to Dolores (Brito) and Jose E. Rivera in Montecito, New Mexico on July 2, 1936 the fourth of seven children.
The family lived many years in Monte Vista, Colorado and Harold received his schooling
there. Harold's father Jose was a field worker and herded sheep, as a boy Harold helped as he
could. He enjoyed playing shortstop on his high school baseball team.
Harold attended priest hood school in Ohio for a year and a half and then moved to Ogden, Utah to be closer to family.
Harold married Lela Rae Boren in Ogden to which seven children joined this union. They were later divorced.
Harold married Connie Margaret Martinez to which two children joined this union. They were later divorced.
Harold began cooking in the restaurant business at age eighteen; worked many cafes and restaurants in the Ogden area until joining the kitchen at Clearfield Job Corp Center and later retired as head Chef from the Officers Club at Hill Air Force Base, Clearfield Utah, in May, 2003.
Upon retirement Harold moved to Lander and lived with his daughter Marcy and myself (Ivan Laird) his son in law.
Harold continued to work in the food service here in Lander, working through the Green Thumb program at the Wyoming Life Resource Center. He worked several years for Wild flour Bakery on Main Street before it's move to the Summit, then finished his working career at Morning Star Manor at Fort Washakie, WY. Harold wasn't content unless he was working; he worked the morning of his passing.
Harold's hobbies included; camping, fishing, hunting, puzzles, playing bingo, going to the casino, making salsa, attending his grand kids and great grand kids programs and sporting events and cooking for special occasions for his family and friends.
Harold was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Rosary Catholic Church here in Lander.
Harold was a dedicated father, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle and friend.
Harold is survived by his sister; Pricilla and her husband Tony Garcia, of Monte Vista, Colorado; brother in law; Armando Hernandez of Ogden, Utah; sister in law Dorothy Rivera of the Salt Lake City, Utah area. Sons; Irvin (Joyce) Gagon, of Price, Utah; Daniel (Mary) Gagon of Craig, Colorado; Harold Wayne (Betty) Rivera of Vernal, Utah; Jeff (Eleanor) Rivera of Riverton, Wyoming; and Boyd (Robin) Pape of Craig, Colorado; Daughters; Katherine (Jesse) Miranda of Ceres, California; Anita Rivera of Lander Wyoming; Son in Law; Ivan Laird (his companion Glenda). Twenty-six grand children, Forty-nine great grand children, one great-great grand child.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Jose Jr., Al and Claude; Sisters;
Threasa Lavoto, Ernestina (Tina) Hernandez; brother in law Joe Lavoto; son; Joey Rivera,
daughter; Marcella Laird and two grand sons; Jacob Rivera and Wayne Lee.
On-line guest book: www.HudsonsFuneralHome.com.


Funeral Home:
Hudson's Funeral Home
680 Mount Hope Drive
Lander, WY
US 82520