Albert "Cavie" Rivas

Albert “Caveman” Rivas turned 50 in May he celebrated by taking his grandsons to Magic Mountain and riding every roller coaster. That speaks to exactly the man he was, full of life and having fun. Even when his health was failing he didn’t give in. He would joke around saying his friend/brother Tom Tamayo grounded him from going to the games. He was so proud of his season tickets to watch the Bull Pups. When not a game you could find him with his sister-in-law; Rosemary, niece; Antoinette & nephew; Fredo playing bingo or watching his grandsons; Daniel & Paul playing football and Baby Anthony playing T-Ball or teaching AJ & CJ how to box while Barbie played cheerleader.

Some of Albert’s passions were baseball, coaching, umping, playing or even working the gate at Babe Ruth. Cavie was an avid Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, etc. fan. He was an extremely loud fan, he almost got us kicked out of Dodger Stadium when they were playing the Cubs. Cavie was very proud of the fact he had been “clean for 21 years” and could often be found in the rooms of N.A. talkin mess to his Donna Mac & Twisted.

I don’t think he even realized how loved he was, it’s been absolutely amazing what all of you have done for him. His nephew; Isaac is dedicating his next baseball game to his Uncle Cavie, I guarantee when he comes up to bat & looks to the outfield he’s gonna see his - “Forever Angel in the outfield”!!!

Cavie was born to Manuel Alfredo & Susan Rivas on May 12, 1964 in San Bernardino, California where he lived until he was 13. Albert was one of five children. He was a sibling to Alfred, Gilbert, Ray & Rosemary. He went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 in Hanford, California. Albert graduated from Hanford High School in 1982. He enjoyed P.E. the most since it was always an athletic class and his favorite teacher was Mr. Cardoza. While growing up, Albert was friends with Rodney Lawrence & Tom Tamayo. In his adult years Albert had maintained his close friendships with the Tamayo family, Chino Ortega and the Santiago family. He was also very close to the Balbina family, especially his BFF Michelle. Albert has been a resident of Hanford for the past 36 years. Albert married the love of his life; Tammy Collier Rivas on August 31, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cavie worked as a substance abuse counselor for the Corcoran prison and prior for Marquez Brothers for many years. Cavie loved all sports and especially coaching baseball & umping and playing softball. Cavie has been a member of Koinonia Christian Fellowship Church for the past 12 years. During his time at church he has been very involved with several ministries; the baby whisperer and volunteered in the nursery for 9 years. He went back to school later in life and graduated as a Medical Assistant. Cavie loved family vacations to Pismo, Magic Mountain and San Francisco.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; Manuel & Susan Rivas and a brother; Ray Rivas.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife; Tammy Rivas of Hanford, his dear siblings; Alfred & Gilbert Rivas both of Hanford & Rosemary Manfredi and her husband Rick of Tulare and his stepchildren; Toni Jackson & her sweetheart Daniel Franco, Ryan Jackson & Reid Jackson all of Hanford. He will also always be cherished by his 3 grandsons; Daniel Franco, Paul Franco & Anthony Gabel. Albert also leaves his nephew; Alfredo and nieces; Antoinette, Monica & Tianna. His “brothers from another mother”; Tom, Anthony, Chino, Midget, Manuel, Sorenzo, and Rodney will all miss him and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Cavie will also be remembered by his wonderful godchildren; Ashley, Sammi, Adam, CJ & Barbie. Cavie will also be missed by his pit bulls; Bully, BJ and Diamond.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591. A Memorial Service will be held later on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Koinonia Christian Fellowship Church; 12536 Hanford-Armona Road, Hanford, CA 93230 559-772-1680.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.