Nathan Fredrick Rivas entered eternal life on January 5th. His spirit is proudly and lovingly carried on by his children, Trace Clark, 24, Samuel Rivas, 17, and Hannah Rivas, 15, as well as his step children, David Wooley (Shanna), Derek Wooley (Fiona) and Devon Wooley (Julia) and wife Shelley. Nathan was preceded in death by his best pal and precious step daughter Paige Wooley, and is survived by 2 brothers Steve Rivas (Bobbie) and Jeff Rivas (Tamra), as well as his parents, David and Stella Rivas.

Nathan loved music, we always listened to Sunday Sagebrush Serenade on the weekends. Neil Young, Willie Nelson and The Beatles were some of his favorite bands. He was not a fan of the digital age and preferred to listen to his music old style on a record player.

Nathan was very interested in cooking and practiced as much as he could. His favorite food was lasagna, and although he didn't ever make it, he sure could put it away. He was best known for the enchiladas he made, we always looked forward to dinner when he was cooking enchiladas. He was also great at cooking quiches. When he was learning to make them, we all got sick of quiche, he didn't care, he just kept practicing until he got it right.

Being outdoors, whether it was riding his bike, camping, hiking with the kids or just sitting beneath a tree reading a book, was what Nathan felt recharged him. He enjoyed any and all activities outdoors, playing or relaxing or just being alone. Nature was his solace.

I don't think there was a book, Nathan ever picked up, that he didn't read. It was a passion. He loved reading about the Vietnam War, which his Uncle Isaac bravely fought in. He also like reading John Grisham books and anything else he could get his hands on. You could be sure, if Nathan wasn't busy with something, you would find him reading.

The most important thing to Nathan was his children. He loved them each dearly and wanted to spend every minute of every day with them. In his world nothing else much mattered, he admired and adored each hair on their head, each finger, toe and every other part of them. His children are his most magnificent accomplishment and his greatest legacy.

Nathan, we will miss your smile, laugh and love. I think most of all we will miss your free spirit, which was always that, free. Never in one place too long, never tied down, always roaming, it is that free, fun-loving spirit we will miss most of all.