Alvarez (Al) Albert Rivarde
Our father, Alvarez (Al) Albert Rivarde, passed away at the age of 88 in Denver, Colorado, on the morning of October 1, 2021. He had the heart of a lion and an iron will. Full of determination and independence! Love of God, family and country were paramount with him.
He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 18, 1933, and joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He was deployed to the conflict in Korea where he grew up fast.
He served in the Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Staff Seargent and retiring to Austin, Texas. He spent time in Japan and Hawaii. Our family spent time with him at Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, March AFB, California and finally Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas., where he retired.
While in Austin, Al worked at Gracy Title Company and was the much beloved floor guard at Hot Wheels Skating Rink where he was known as Big Al, Al Poppa and Pops. He looked after the whole lot - bunches of kids that made Hot Wheels their second home. For that, we are so grateful.
He lived in Georgetown and Dripping Springs before moving to Colorado. Everywhere he went, he made friends with his easy manner, entertaining storytelling and trademark crown of silver hair. He lived a full, social, and very happy life. He appreciated his time with family and friends and counted himself the most blessed of us all because of his time with us.
He is survived by four adult children, Donna (Rivarde) Viola, Steven Rivarde, Allison (Rivarde) Banks, Jan (Rivarde) Skelton; grandchildren Ilia, Beverly, Mollie, Marcie, Andrew, Krista, Garrett, Amanda, Hannah, and Taylor; and TWELVE great grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them.
He has given us wonderful memories. We will miss him dearly.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 ~ 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Visitation with Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Christ on the Mountain Catholic Church, 13922 West Utah Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 ~ 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass, 12:30 p.m. Reception
Christ on the Mountain Catholic Church, 13922 West Utah Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228
2:30 p.m. Interment at Fort Logan (arrive promptly at 2:15pm)