Timothy Michael Rivera

Timothy Michael Rivera was born on October 19, 1949 in Santa Ana, CA to Joe and Soledad Rivera. Tim grew up in Westminster, Santa Ana and Garden Grove. He enjoyed hanging out at Sigler Park and playing a game of ball. He graduated from Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, CA in 1967.

In 1975 Tim started working for Kaiser in Bellflower, Ca. He joined the Radiology team where he would meet some of his lifelong friends like Mark Guastella & Johnny Thomas and the woman he would spend the rest of his Life with - Sally. He truly enjoyed Mark's company and loved him very much. Tim was well loved and known by almost all at the hospital. He truly loved what he did for a living and all the amazing people he worked with. If you couldn't find him at his desk, and Mark didn't know where he was, all you had to do was listen closely and you could hear his voice from down the hallway! Tim stayed with Kaiser until 2009 when he was forced to retire due to complications with his Hepatitis C.

The story that brought the Rivera boys and Robinson girls together: One night after the guys were playing a game of baseball at Sigler Park, Jim impressed Sally by taking a gun away from a "friend" while Sally was hiding behind Tim. Sally decided to invite Rita to go on a blind dinner date with her and Tim and Jim would be there. "Come on Rita, it's just dinner. It's not like you're going to marry him." Sally & Tim brought two families together that evening. Jim Married Rita in 1983. Then in 1984 Tim married the love of his life Sally, in a romantic ceremony at their home in Norwalk.

Tim and Sally had an instant family with their two daughters, Lisa and Raquel. A few months after they were married in August they welcomed their son, the boy wonder, Michael James. Tim loved all of his children in a very special way. Joshua, Rachael, and Jacob made Tim a grandfather.

If you knew Tim then you knew he had a love for sports! His teams were the Dodgers of course, the Lakers and USC. Tim loved to collect sports memorabilia and display it in his den. " He had all of his sports memorabilia on display in his den. He collected thousands of baseball cards but his all time favorite player was Mickey Mantle. Tim also had a passion for reading. He could pick up a book and finish it in no time. Tim shared his love for reading with his brother and co workers at Kaiser, they would trade books back and forth.

Not only was Tim a family man but he was a man of God. After becoming born again his spirituality and closeness to God changed his entire life. This also helped him find peace and get him through these past months. He took many special courses on the bible, through churches and guidance with Pastor Ron. With that knowledge he could discuss the Holy Book with anyone.

He had a great love for his Family and his siblings: sisters Sally, Pat, Anita, Sylvia & Brother Jim and their spouses. Tim also had a great love for his many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.

Sally, Lisa, Raquel and Michael would like to thank all of you for your well wishes and support during this difficult time.

Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.