Daniel Leopoldo Rivas

Dan was born in Durango, Colorado. He spent his formative years between Ignacio and Denver, Colorado.

As a youth he spent his summers working on the family farm in Tiffany,CO. He loved riding the horses, milking the goats, and feeding the chickens. From the beginning, Dan was an exceptionally hard worker. At 16 he bought his first car with the money he saved selling watermelons. He also had a curiosity in motorcycles and cars, which began at an early age. He was a self-taught mechanic and was often found helping family and friends with their cars.

Dan graduated from West High School, where he was an exceptionally strong athlete. His favorite sports were track and field, and gymnastics. He was one of few who could perform a perfect Iron Cross on the still rings.

His hobbies included riding his motorcycle, camping, and bowling, His love of bowling sustained him throughout his life.

He was a loving father and papa to Dominic. He had a special bond with Dominic. They shared a love for military history and everything else from A to Z. He was also a loving brother to his five beloved sisters.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Joe A. Rivas and Stella Martinez; three brothers, and his son's Daniel Leonardo and David RIvas. He is survived by his loving children Alex Rivas (Marsha); Deanna Rivas (Phil) and their mother, Helen Gantz; grandson, Dominic Rivas; sister's Georgianne (Gary), Jeannie (Jose); Kriste (Eddie), Margie (Steve), Bobbi Larez, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 30th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Praise Center Church, 3105 W. Florida Ave., Denver CO. 80219.